A recent social media account run by two juniors at Myers Park has gained a larger
audience as they attempt to educate and help students dealing with mental health issues.
704HelpYourMind is an Instagram account run by MP students, Patrick Eismont and Will
Kennerly.
In an interview, Kennerly said, “704HelpYourMind is a page my friend Patrick and I
created to help spread awareness about mental health and help others with the knowledge we
have about mental health.”
“We wanted to show it is okay to be not okay and wanted to be there for anyone who needs help” added Eismont.
When asked about how these students came together and created the account, Eismont
Responded, by sharing his own personal experiences about safeguarding his mental health and saying, “It was really eye-opening and positive towards my mental health. I learned tons of
coping skills and positive stories and quotes,”. “I pitched the idea to Will,” said Eismont. “We thought originally about how it would look on a resume, but then forgot about that and instead wanted to focus on trying to help anyone who needs it,”.
As for the audience trying to be reached, Eismont says, “really anyone who is struggling
or feels alone, and just needs an extra push. It can be a kid, adult, teacher, student, whoever.
We just want to help,”.
As the account continues to grow with over 200 followers in the first month and a half,
plans for the account continue to grow, “We plan to bring a more positive and realistic side of
social media into attention” says Kennerly. “Create posts that people can relate to and educate
themselves with,”.
“We plan to grow by being honest, open, and consistent. The more we post and the
The harder we work, the more likely our efforts will pay off,” reports Eismont. “Future plans for the
@704helpyourmind account includes merchandise where the proceeds go to suicide prevention hotlines and charities for mental health, and creating a website.”
“Those are just the short-term goals as of now. Eventually, we want to make things
bigger and hope to have a club at the school next year and thousands of people following,”
voices Eismont.
In such a short amount of time, this account and platform that Eismont and Kennerly
have created has impacted their friends and other students at school positively.
“This account has helped many in such a short time, and that’s the amazing thing about
it,” says Eismont. Not only has it been beneficial for me, someone who struggles with
depression and anxiety, to be able to put my thoughts to words and know I’m making a positive
change for people, but it has also helped others.”
“Many people have messaged me or came up to me in person thanking Patrick and I for
the account, and saying how cool they think it is. It means so much to be able to know you’re
helping people,” says Kennerly.
Both boys are extremely pleased with how much the account has grown in such a short
period of time. Kennerly finished his interview saying “growth is not linear, in time you will notice
the change you’ve wanted all along”, describing the ups and downs of mental health are normal
for teenagers and adults.