I have never been the type of person to tell people who they should and should not support. "Problematic faves" exist because people make mistakes. However, Logan Paul is someone I will never give my time to.
I will not watch his videos, I will not follow him on Twitter and I will not subscribe to his YouTube channel. The video that he posted of Aokigahara was extremely insensitive. Suicide is not a laughing matter and it should not be seen as a joke or as a ploy to get views.
There are other ways to raise awareness for mental health, and this video was not a way to do that.
So, instead of watching the video or supporting Logan Paul, here are ten different things you can do to stop giving Logan Paul monetary support. You can also raise awareness for mental health and help someone out by spreading valuable information instead.
1. Unsubscribe from Logan Paul’s YouTube channel.
2. Unfollow Logan Paul on Twitter.
3. Stop buying his merchandise.
4. Stop watching Logan Paul’s videos.
5. Do not watch his apology video.
6. Tweet the suicide lifeline number for your friends and family who may need to talk to someone.
7. Be supportive of your friends and family with depression or other mental illnesses.
8. Speak out about your experiences with mental health and how it can be helped through therapy or medication.
9. Tell everyone you know that they are not alone.
10. Be open and compassionate towards other people who are feeling alone, depressed or who have suicidal thoughts.
11. Help spread the message that mental health should not be stigmatized.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please do not hesitate to call The National Suicide Lifeline. They are available 24/7 and are more than willing to listen to anything you may be struggling with.
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
They also have an online chat that you can use instead of calling in if you aren't comfortable talking on the phone. You can start a chat with a counselor here. They are more than willing to listen to any problems you may have. Your voice will be heard and someone will be there to speak to you no matter what.
One way that I know how to spread positivity is by using music that spreads a positive message. One of my favorite songs from Dear Evan Hansen is called "You Will Be Found." I know music doesn't fix everything, but if you're ever feeling down, I hope you watch this video or listen to the cast recording. I hope it speaks to you in the same way that it spoke to me the first time I listened to it.
You will be found.