Credits: Social Media
How I stopped TikTok’s Snail Theory affecting me when friendship wasn’t enough
The rise of the Snail Theory on TikTok has prompted serious discussions about existentialism and friendship.
Just like the Dorito Theory that proved right in my life, I am not alien to the Snail Theory, either. I wasn’t aware of the exact term that describes the psychological phenomenon, but I’ve always known that leaning on friends or other meaningful relationships wasn’t enough to evade my inner demons.
Even though I would like to share with you the approaches I used to stop the Snail Theory from taking control of my life, each one of us is affected differently by the same concept. My experience only aims to draw more attention to issues associated with it. Breath in, and let’s take this slowly.
What is the Snail Theory on TikTok?
The new TikTok theory is derived from a meme about an immortal snail that went viral in 2014.
Simply put, the meme imagines a hypothetical situation, wherein a person is blessed with millions of dollars and turned immortal in exchange for being followed by an “Assassin Snail”, whose touch can kill you. Would you keep running from it forever or simply choose to not become a millionaire?
Essentially, you would spend the rest of your life fearing the fatal touch of the immortal snail and even the fortune couldn’t help them evade it.
This serves as a metaphor for outrunning difficult aspects of life and being consumed by negative thoughts, even when you’re surrounded by love and bliss in the present.
Nearly a year decade later, the meme has turned into a full-fledged trend, as TikTok users admit to being vulnerable to challenges that aren’t easy to navigate.
Most videos posted by the participants display similar captions that read along the lines of: “When you get home from hanging with friends and you realize it might be time to stop running from it.”
If you found the concept thought-provoking and if you or your loved ones feel perpetually followed by the immortal snail, you aren’t the only one. We can get through this together.
What I did when friendship wasn’t enough
As humans, we are innately social. The majority of us count on historical friendships and other meaningful relationships for comfort and strength.
However, I found myself in darkness when the voices in my head overpowered the life I lived outside of it, and any number of outings with friends seeking an escape only lasted temporarily. That’s when I started to look within.
Acknowledge the problem
The first and foremost step is to find out what’s bothering you. There’s no point in constantly outrunning any problem without achieving an understanding of it.
For instance, my PMDD symptoms, which typically last for two weeks before my period, are so difficult to handle that I almost gave up, until I figured out its root cause.
I would always seek temporary solutions to any challenge life threw at me. I resorted to drinking, spending the night out, and being in social gatherings as much as possible, hoping to forget the feelings that would engulf me. Just like thousands of TikTok users, I would return home feeling empty and lifeless like a snail shell.
What truly helped me was coming face to face with my past traumas and thoughts rather than failing to acknowledge them.
It’s okay to seek professional help
I understand there isn’t anything more fulfilling than the love and support of our friends and family. But it’s also okay to consider other options when nothing else works.
If you’re living in denial, even your loved ones can’t do much about it. However, talking about it with a mental health expert or even educating yourself can make a huge difference.
I started by journaling my thoughts and asking questions on platforms like Quora, where people from different paths of life offer their insights, and make you feel like you aren’t alone. You can always speak with a professional therapist or psychologist once you’re comfortable enough to open up.
Prioritize self-love
Self-love can do miracles, trust me. No matter who you are surrounded by or where you are in life, a lack of kindness and respect for yourself will never let you live truly.
From my own experience, loving myself has made me confident and I feel stronger alone in challenging situations. When everything else in your life falls apart, only you can save yourself and it starts with being more kind to your mind and body.
Embrace life even with the immortal snail after you
Challenges in life are inevitable, so the immortal snail is going to get you one day or the other. It’s all the more reason to live life to the fullest – forget the past and don’t stress about your future.
Rather, try to be as mindful as you can and most importantly, find solace in your own company. You don’t have to always find an escape in your weakest moments. You’re stronger than you think. Confront the emotions or feelings and the intensity reduces with time.
If taking care of yourself is harder than you think, you can do it with the help of others. That way, you’ll never fear the assassin snail ever again.
