Content creators and young creatives are known for highlighting online the polished parts of life, but a woman has offered her digital audience a raw look at what her life is like as a 28-year-old with depression.
Collette Grimes, a freelance writer and content creator known as @collette.alexandria online, shared an unfiltered glimpse into her life with the mental health condition by documenting the transformation of her cluttered apartment.
The video, with the overlaid text, "clean my depression apartment with me," captures Grimes cleaning up her space, which had accumulated unwashed dishes, laundry, and general mess. The video has been viewed over 6.4 million times since it was shared on Instagram on September 8, and Grimes, who tends to post upbeat lifestyle content from her swanky East Coast apartment, has been lauded for her authenticity.
"After getting laid off from my dream job, I fell into a deep depression," Grimes, who lives with her Chihuahua, told Newsweek. "With the current cost of living, there were so many times where I didn't think I was going to make it, and in the fear of losing my apartment, I allowed such a mess to accumulate as a way of staking a claim on my home.
"I was unemployed for nearly 11 months and honestly had given up on taking care of myself and my surroundings."
Viewers from around the globe resonated with Grimes' candid display of what living with depression while young can look like—even in a nice apartment with a skyline view. The transparency has provided solace and validation to many, particularly within the Black community, who appreciated seeing a Black female content creator share such personal experiences publicly. The comments section overflowed with praise, affirming the importance of Grimes' message.
"As someone with debilitating depressive episodes, content like this makes me feel less alone," one viewer, @noplantpro, said. "Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. Be strong. Keep surviving. You're inspiring!"
Another, @paigerubin, added: "The fact that I can only find positive comments, not an ounce of hate or judgment — I love. Nature is healing."
"Thank you for being so vulnerable. As a young black woman living alone with depression, I feel really seen," a third viewer, @theloveglitch, shared.
While discussions around mental health have become more prevalent, especially online, social media content often still skews towards influencers, designer goods and celebrities.
"I definitely think social media rewards carefully curated personas," Grimes said. "People naturally want to emphasize their wins in life rather than their shortcomings, so constantly being inundated with success can make you feel inferior when you're having a hard time.
"I think as the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, we are seeing influencers and celebrities open up, but there is not enough content for everyday people who struggle with mental health."
The writer says that it is time for others in her position to push out content for normal people who can relate to their mental health struggles, or how they balance them with their 9 to 5 jobs and responsibilities.
"Social media prioritizes luxury lifestyles, and as a society, we're taught not to talk about our emotions and to put our heads down and get to work," she said. "But, if we were all a bit more open and honest with each other, I do sincerely think the world would be a better place."
Grimes' video captures not just the physical act of cleaning, but the emotional journey of reclaiming her space and, by extension, her agency. Viewers online feel that the short clip highlights a truth many face but few discuss: the paralysis that depression can induce, leading to neglect of both self and surroundings.
"I was secretly hoping no one would watch the video, so to see my video reach and inspire so many people is genuinely more than I could imagine," she said. "It's beyond heartwarming and it also feels good to know that I'm not alone in my struggles."
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