95-year-old grandmother shares simple yet powerful mental health advice to navigate life

In today's fast-paced world, anxiety and depression affect many people across the globe. Mental health issues make even simple tasks feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. However, it's crucial to understand that these challenges are not a sign of weakness. They are widespread experiences that can be managed through proper self-care, support, and personal growth. On a related note, a TikTok video of an elderly woman giving precious mental health advice to her granddaughter, Christina Symes (@christinaandchristine), has won millions of hearts online. 

Struggling with depression and anxiety, the 30-year-old artist from Eastbourne captured a heartwarming moment with her 95-year-old grandmother, Christine Symes. In the wholesome video, the grandmother shared some simple yet life-altering mental health advice to help her granddaughter cope and navigate challenges in life. "Look at yourself in the mirror, wash your face, put your makeup on, put your clothes on, and then say, 'What must I do next? I must have a little breakfast, or I must have a cup of tea, and then I will start to do this little thing that needs doing,'" Christine shared.

The grandmother also highlighted the immense power of living in the present, urging not to ruin the moment by constantly worrying about the future. "You are not going to worry about anything else but that at that moment. And then when you have done that, you think, 'I am dressed, I’ve got some makeup on. I’ve done that task; it’s taken me two or three hours. I need a cup of tea in the café and the gallery. I’ll go there and have it. That’s my reward, and I deserve it,’” she added in the video. 

Additionally, Christine spoke about the importance of self-recognition and realizing self-worth. She shared, "I deserve it because I've done those things, and I can take pride in the fact you've done them. Never mind about what else has happened years ago, what's going to happen in the future." Through the video’s text overlay, the granddaughter further revealed, "My 95-year-old gran gave me this advice. Thought someone else might need to hear it too." Talking exclusively to PEOPLE, Symes explained that she thought it was such a nice message and believed people might appreciate it, especially given the negativity online. She also revealed that she uploaded the video without anticipating the overwhelming response from netizens. 

"I've had really long messages from people sharing their own experiences or saying, 'Oh! That's like advice that my mom or my grandma would've given me, but they're no longer here anymore,'" Symes shared with the outlet. Similarly, people flooded the comment section of the TikTok video with several wholesome reactions. For instance, @tricia commented, "As a Psychiatric Nurse, she's right, take it slow, hour by hour. Be compassionate about yourself and make small attainable goals."

Meanwhile, @napsandflapjacks wrote, "When she said 'I deserve it,' I broke down because not one part of me believes I do, no matter how much I do or how hard I work, I’m not sure I ever will." On the other hand, @palindromebee commented, "Someone told me to always make my bed when I got out of it (deeply in depression) because then I would have achieved one thing, and when you can achieve one thing you can achieve many things." @worriorprincess30 wrote, "Sobbing I’m trying so hard to stay alive."

You can follow Christina Symes (@christinaandchristine) on TikTok for more such wholesome videos of her grandmother.