An outpouring of love and support across the world for a man who tweeted ‘I am not ok’

A Twitter thread, started by a man who was at rock bottom, has brought hope to thousands

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Life is difficult at the moment. You are not imagining it. With news of new restrictions every day, it is becoming harder and harder to maintain a positive outlook. People are lonely and scared.

Edmund O’Leary took to Twitter to look for help, and in an unusual turn of events for this particular social media platform, he was met with a tidal wave of positivity and love.

I am not ok. Feeling rock bottom. Please take a few seconds to say hello if you see this tweet. Thank you.

— Edmund O'Leary (@emerald1910) October 16, 2020

The tweet struck a chord with people across the world and currently has more than 300k ‘likes’ and nearly 15k retweets. Celebrities, companies, and people offering support to Edmund are coming forward in swathes.

Hello Edmund! We don’t know each other, but I know that so so so many people are feeling heavy right now. The toll of this year is immense. Just remember that it’s a relay; we can all share the baton. You’re not alone. Better days are coming. You deserve to see them. Sending ??

— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) October 17, 2020

Hello Edmund. Stay strong mate.

— Joseph Morgan (@JosephMorgan) October 17, 2020

On his Twitter page, O’Leary describes himself as a “proud dad of twin sons” and confesses “I love aviation”. We can only imagine that love made Dublin airport’s reply all the sweeter.

Hi Edmund, you are not alone. So many people are feeling exactly that way at the minute. Never forget that you are loved & there are people who care about you. We see you like 747s; here’s one just for you, along with a picture of dawn in Dublin. Sending you hugs from back home. pic.twitter.com/x2TyI06uD7

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) October 17, 2020

People across Twitter are sending O’Leary videos, images, and words to try and help lighten his load. His message has also given people permission, who may not have otherwise, to share their feelings.

Hey Edmund! Your a brave lad putting your feelings out there! Your courage has given a lot of people permission to talk about how they are feeling. Despite feeling low, you have done a lot of good. I am very grateful! Bless you!

— Etienne McD (@smcdonn4499) October 16, 2020

Hi Edmund! Wanted to share this video I filmed of elephants in Kenya. If you ever want to chat my DMs are open. pic.twitter.com/Fe7dlBkotk

— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) October 17, 2020

Here is my son (3). He is wants you to love your self more. Even a bad LEGO construction can feel like an accomplishment. Just BEING is ENOUGH. Hoping for you to find joy in just Being. pic.twitter.com/MaagWddhqS

— Vikram Kanagala MD, MS CTS (@bornlamron) October 17, 2020

Edmund, my father passed in June and in my deepest grief, this red dragonfly spent a month in our yard. I'd never seen one before but read they are symbols of strength after hardship. It brought me hope that there would be a day when I would feel ok again. Sending you hope… pic.twitter.com/PFeBPrVgDZ

— Paul Normandy (@normandy_paul) October 17, 2020

The messages of hope have acted as a reminder that the human spirit, even in the darkest of days, is a beautiful thing.

Hi Edmund, the replies to this have given us all such a boost! I really hope they have helped you too. Here’s a pic of my 6mo son from this morning, he wakes up stupid and happy like this every morning with no idea what a crazy year he has arrived in. It gives me hope! pic.twitter.com/EmvfvxZgj7

— Jess Brammar (@jessbrammar) October 17, 2020

Hi Edmund! I hope you feel better today! It's not been an easy time so it is totally understandable and OK to feel down, but I hope this thread shows how much good there is in the world. And you are a part of that! Here is a pic of my parents dogs Ebony and Ivory to cheer you up! pic.twitter.com/Hdu1iJT19k

— Paul Marr (@SerendipitySays) October 17, 2020

Hello Edmund, Matt here in NYC. Here’s a photo I took recently of some clouds rolling off into the distance. While they carry a lot of weight, and they appear to be dark and gloomy, they are drenched with sunlight behind that weight and do not go unnoticed. The clouds will clear. pic.twitter.com/vKp2DhrJOP

— Matthew Gerrard (@MatthewGerrard) October 17, 2020

Hi Edmund, this poem by @DanushaLameris has been cheering me up lately. I hope it helps you as well pic.twitter.com/o5MJDY3jhl

— Lorena O'Neil (@lorenaoneil) October 17, 2020

Hi Edmund. Don't give up. You're not alone. I hope you're feeling the love, even if it's just on this site. We all need each other. I'm glad you reached out and said something. Isolation is what will kill us, but when we reach out, we're brave warriors. So much love to you!

— Julia Miller (@gracefulily27) October 16, 2020

Edmund, thank you for letting everyone know how you were feeling—what a beautiful movement YOU created! ??

Walking in nature with my dog, Blue, and my family always makes me feel better. Hang in there! pic.twitter.com/PE5QRWvDxP

— Lynn LaPlante (@HelpLynnWin) October 17, 2020