Tom Holland steps away from social media for his mental health
Actor Tom Holland is taking a break from social media for his own mental health and has encouraged those who need help to ask, Ian Woods reports
Tom Holland has said he is stepping away from social media as he finds it "detrimental" to his mental health and he "spirals" when he reads things about himself online.
In a video posted to Instagram, the 26-year-old Spider-Man star said he will take a break from his platforms and has deleted Twitter from his phone.
He said: "I find Instagram and Twitter to be overstimulating, to be overwhelming, I get caught up and I spiral when I read things about me online, and ultimately, it’s very detrimental to my mental state, so I decided to take a step back and delete the app."
Holland also used the video to talk about teenage mental health charity Stem4, which he sponsors through his family's organisation, The Brothers Trust.
"There is an awful stigma against mental health and I know that asking for help and seeking help isn't something that we should be ashamed of, but it is something that is much easier said than done," he said.
Holland ended the video message by thanking his fans.
"I'm going to disappear from Instagram again and to everyone out there, thanks for your love and support," he said.
The Brit school alumnus will next play Fred Astaire in an upcoming biopic about the American actor and dancer.
Helplines to call if you or someone you know needs help with mental health:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (for men aged 15 to 35): 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Mind: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)