With few exceptions, TikTok has become the place where people try to attract followers by posting videos of dancing, lip syncing, or the exploits of their impossibly cute cats. Madison Little is one of the exceptions. Madison is an extreme mental health advocate who has amassed nearly 1 million followers on TikTok by using the social platform to share a message of positivity and encouragement.
Overcoming her trauma to bring healing to others
Madison’s childhood was anything but stable. She was brought up in Toronto, Canada, and at the age of four she witnessed her father murder her mother. Left without parents, she bounced from one relative to another, ultimately proving to be too much for anyone to handle. School was a trial, with athletics being the only area she excelled. As Madison says, “My coaches loved me because I was a monster on the field.”
After graduating from high school, which was something she feels lucky to have accomplished, Madison entered college and began studying psychology. Thankful for the help that she had received from therapists, she thought she might pay it forward by becoming one herself.
“Over the years I battled with depression and anxiety,” Madison shares. “I went to see therapists — quite reluctantly at first — and tried to manage my emotions. I battled with compulsive lying and was hospitalized three times for attempted suicide. I am familiar with grief, rage, emptiness, and almost any emotion on the spectrum of pain or despair.”
However, college proved to be too much for her. Madison dropped out and moved to Los Angeles in search of some other way that she could be an inspiration to other people in the world who were hurting. She found it on TikTok.
“The trauma could not stop me,” Madison says. “Nor could the conflict, the substance abuse, the anxiety, or any of the other things that I faced. In the end, the quiet voice saying that I will try again tomorrow won out. Because I did try. And as I tried, I learned. I fell short many times, but I still moved forward.”
Offering small doses of hope through TikTok
Madison brings the strength and positivity that she has found to her signature “Hey Babe” videos, in which she steps into the role of friend and supporter to any and all of her viewers. She asks how they are doing, encourages them to take care of themselves, shares some words of wisdom, and tells them she is proud of them and loves them.
“I’ve come to realize over the past two years of doing this that so many people, including myself, struggle with simple tasks like getting out of bed in the morning, making your bed, walking to school, or whatever you do,” Madison says. “I encourage people by asking them the questions that everybody should be asked by someone who cares about them. How are you today? Have you had your coffee? Have you been drinking enough water? Did you have something to eat before you went to school today? I let people know they should feel proud of themselves for just doing the little things.”
Madison’s “Hey Babe” videos attract tens of thousands of views and inspire comments that reveal they are truly helping her followers. “You give me hope in my darkest times,” one viewer comments. “These videos make a difference and we want you to know it,” says another. One viewer describes Madison’s videos as instant calm, peace, love, and support.
Coaching others to a beautiful life
TikTok is not Madison’s only outlet for helping others to live their best lives. She is also a certified life coach who offers career coaching, relationship coaching, and life coaching through her website, www.maddiescoachingboost.com.
“I believe each of us deserve to live a more awake, happy, and beautiful life,” Madison says. “If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, I can help you to find clarity and self-motivation by teaching you techniques for managing the emotional stress of everyday life.”