Fans who wondered why actor Tom Holland was noticeably absent from social media lately received an explanation for his period of online inactivity.
The Spider-Man actor returned to Instagram briefly to share a special video message.
In the clip's caption, he started off with:
"Hello and goodbye... I have been taking a break from social media for my mental health but felt compelled to come on here to talk about @stem4org."
Talking to followers on video, the actor elaborated on the importance of stepping away–at least temporarily–from engaging on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Holland, whose last post on Instagram was of a black and white photo of him from July 1, said:
“I’ve taken a break from social media for my mental health because I find Instagram and Twitter to be overstimulating, to be overwhelming."
"I get caught up and I spiral when I read things about me online and ultimately, it’s very detrimental to my mental state."
"So I decided to take a step back and delete the app.”
He took an opportunity during his "very brief return to Instagram" to raise awareness about a special charity called Stem 4–a UK-based non-profit that "promotes positive mental health in teenagers" with their educational programs and mental health apps.
Holland said the organization was one of the many charities he and The Brothers Trust fundraising group–which was founded by his parents, Nikki and Dom Holland–were "extremely proud to support."
He continued:
“There is an awful stigma against mental health and I know that asking for help and seeking help isn’t something that we should be ashamed of but it is something that is much easier said than done."
He encouraged everyone to visit The Brothers Trust website, which he described as a vehicle that helps support other organizations that “struggle to be heard,” like Stem 4.
He thanked everyone before stating he will "disappear again from Instagram."
Fans gave him plenty of support.
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
@tomholland2013/Instagram
The subject of mental well-being is one that is close to the actor's heart.
Earlier this year, he began filming The Crowded Room, a new seasonal anthology on AppleTV+ that, according to Apple, "will explore the true and inspirational stories of those who have struggled and learned to successfully live with mental illness."
The anthology's first 10-episode season is based on the award-winning biography, The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes.
Holland plays Milligan, who in the late 1970s was the first person ever to be acquitted of a crime due to having a mental health condition now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder–which is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personalities that control a person's behavior at different times without their knowledge.
His next big screen feature will be a biopic about Fred Astaire.
Holland will be playing the legendary Hollywood icon who was widely considered the "greatest dancer in film history."
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