The first big trend on social media in 2019 is the 10 Year Challenge, where millions of social media users are posting photos of themselves from a decade ago and one currently in a split shot kind of way.
A lot of what has been posted is simply to see how much we've aged, or the "glow up" in terms of how much better we perceive our looks to be now compared to then. If anything its a simple and silly thing that has caught on like many others that have come and gone in the past.
For some, it's an opportunity to go much deeper than what we simply are seeing as two different photos. Fashion designer and well known gay personality Boomer Banks took it upon himself to discuss just how different his life is today and the struggles he's had along the way to get to where he is now.
He bravely opened up on his social media Monday about his bouts of depression, time in recovery and how his openness can help many others out there.
"READ!!!! I wanted to participate… 2008 was an eventful year," Boomer wrote. "I experienced depression for the first time in my life. I know this is a fun social media "glow up" but… hardships are real!"
"Having had 4 years in recovery I never imagined this would it could happen to me," he continued. "Never did this define me, it was a temporary growing experience. Instead it empowered me. I can honestly tell you I don’t know why I don’t think of these experience as something that can help another."
"I think sometimes when you overcome hardships you want to transcend them, you don’t want anyone to pity you. I realize now how selfish it is of me not to share these parts of my life. That can potential help maybe, hopefully just one human achieve hope."
"I found light from 2008. I found the strength to love me," he finished. Boomer received several words of encouragement in the comments section of his social media, with one writing "Thank you for sharing it. Your words and your experience can help many who are struggling with their confidence and self image right now."
For those struggling with emotional distress, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.