a very bad year.

Summary

In this deeply personal reflection, TommyInnit opens up about the struggles he faced in 2024, including health issues, personal loss, and the challenges of growing up in the public eye. He recounts his struggles with mental health, a changing identity, and the pressures of his career. Despite the difficulties, Tommy emphasizes the importance of humor, self-reflection, and support from friends and family in getting through tough times. Offering advice for others going through similar struggles, he ends on a hopeful note, looking forward to a brighter future and expressing gratitude to his fans.

Takeaways

• 😀 TommyInnit reflects on a challenging year, filled with personal struggles and emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, and identity crisis.
• 😞 He faced several hardships including testicular surgery, a difficult breakup, and the emotional toll of his family falling apart during his tour.
• 🧠 Tommy discusses feeling disconnected from his earlier YouTube persona, realizing he doesn't want to be a kids' entertainer anymore as he's growing older.
• 🎭 Despite the tough year, Tommy expresses gratitude for his audience, friends, and family, acknowledging the support he received during difficult moments.
• 😔 He speaks about his struggle with the intense nature of the internet, especially the pressure of public scrutiny, and how it became overwhelming as he got older.
• ⚡ Tommy highlights a personal realization about the difficulty of maintaining mental health while constantly being in the public eye, and how he dealt with fears around death.
• 🌱 Through his experience, he learned the importance of having structure in his life, such as daily routines and journaling, to manage his mental health.
• 🎤 Despite his emotional struggles, Tommy shares his passion for comedy, mentioning how figures like Steve Martin, Bo Burnham, and John Malaney inspired him to keep going.
• 💔 He admits missing simpler times, reflecting on past moments of joy and connection, especially the carefree days before the pressure of fame intensified.
• 🎉 Tommy ends the video with a hopeful tone, expressing optimism for the coming year, and offering advice for others struggling, emphasizing that difficult times will pass.

Q & A

What major personal event does TommyInnit mention at the beginning of the video?

TommyInnit begins the video by mentioning that he underwent testicular surgery after experiencing a twisted testicle, which was a traumatic and challenging start to his year.

How does Tommy describe his feelings after turning 20?

Tommy describes feeling a bit of an identity crisis after turning 20, as he no longer felt like a 'kid' in the eyes of his audience, which led to him questioning his place in the YouTube world.

What impact did Tommy’s family situation have on his year?

Tommy shares that his family fell apart while he was on tour, which made it difficult for him to perform and deal with the emotional strain, especially while role-playing as a father during his performances.

What effect did meeting the place where Technoblade passed away have on Tommy?

Meeting the place where Technoblade died left Tommy feeling deeply disturbed and reminded him of his own fear of mortality, which became a recurring source of anxiety for him during the year.

What was the nature of Tommy’s breakup with Molly?

Tommy and Molly’s breakup was mutual and amicable, but he found it frustrating because it wasn't clear-cut with one person being the 'bad guy,' which made the situation more complicated and emotionally difficult.

How does Tommy describe his relationship with YouTube as he gets older?

Tommy expresses frustration with YouTube, feeling disconnected from his younger audience and questioning the purpose of his career as he grows older. He notes that being a YouTuber seems like a dream for kids, not adults.

What role did comedy play in Tommy’s emotional recovery this year?

Comedy, particularly through comedians like Steve Martin, Bo Burnham, and others, played a crucial role in lifting Tommy’s spirits. He credits comedy for saving him during tough times and reigniting his passion for life.

How does Tommy reflect on his past experiences in the YouTube community?

Tommy reflects on his rapid rise to fame and how surreal it still feels when he looks back at his old videos and memories, such as the first VidCon panel. He sometimes watches past performances and still has trouble believing they happened.

What mental health practices has Tommy adopted to cope with his struggles?

Tommy shares that he has started journaling every morning for 15-50 minutes as a stream of consciousness exercise. He also recommends activities like walking in nature, staying structured, and using music as a way to match his emotions or alter his mindset.

How does TommyInnit view the upcoming year, and what message does he have for his fans?

Tommy is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming year, expressing hope that it will be better. He acknowledges that it's been a difficult year, but assures his fans that difficult times pass, and he encourages them to keep going despite hardships.