In a raw series of videos posted to TikTok, a young mother known as @CrossFamily429 has sparked a powerful conversation about mental health after revealing that she didn’t brush her teeth for more than a year—not out of carelessness, but because of the paralyzing effects of untreated depression.
“There was a point in time where I was so depressed, I didn’t brush my teeth for a whole year, maybe even longer,” she confessed in one video. “I could barely get up to even wash myself.”
The viral videos have amassed widespread attention and support, offering a stark reminder of how mental illness can affect even the most basic acts of self-care.
In part two of her video series, she bravely showed the resulting dental damage and shared how shame, judgment, and social stigma have compounded her struggle.
“People are bashing me… I hope that you never get to this point,” she said. “To the people who’ve been in my situation—how did you get out of it? Because I haven’t.”
The young mom, who has children of her own, said she’s had to explain the consequences of her condition to them, turning a painful experience into a life lesson.
“They asked me what happened to your teeth, and I had to tell them I didn’t brush. Which makes it easier for them to always brush their teeth morning and night,” she explained.
Mental Health and Self-Neglect

Mental health professionals say that what this mother describes is not uncommon among those battling severe depression. Clinical depression can lead to functional impairment—a term used to describe how mental illness can erode motivation and daily living skills.
“Depression doesn’t always look like crying in bed,” said one mental health advocate on X (formerly Twitter). “Sometimes it looks like missed showers, unopened mail, or—yes—even neglected dental hygiene.”
Self-neglect is often misunderstood by those who have never experienced the kind of mental paralysis that chronic depression can bring. For many, the energy to brush teeth, bathe, or eat can feel utterly out of reach.
Yet what sets this story apart is the creator’s courage in publicly facing the criticism—and the healing—head-on.
Healing Starts With Honesty
Her honesty has prompted hundreds of comments from others with similar experiences and has created a sense of community among those who often feel invisible. In her video, she pleaded with viewers:
“If you have nothing good to say, just please scroll. I’m going through enough.”
She continues to battle the mental health challenges she faces but says she’s “just trying to get through it by showing y’all.”
Her video ends with a plea for understanding—and a subtle message of hope:
“Let’s extend grace, not judgment. You don’t know until you’ve been there.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. The Mental Health Hotline is a free, confidential 24-hour service at (866) 903-3787.