Pete Davidson posted an alarming message on Instagram before deleting his account on Saturday. The Saturday Night Live star was found alive and safe after the post appeared to be about a desire to die, and now friends, fans, and mental health supporters are sending Davidson their love from around the world.
The young actor and ex-fiance to Ariana Grande posted the Instagram message shortly after a conversation on Twitter that began with a tweet by Grande asking “grown men arguing online” to “behave” on the day that she and Miley Cyrus released new music. The men she was referencing were reportedly Kanye West and the rapper Drake, who were at the time having an argument on Twitter that was related to mental health.
I know Ariana said this to be cool and didn’t mean no harm but I don’t like even slightest level of slight commentary from someone I know loves and respects me pic.twitter.com/T9VXaIj9MX
— ye (@kanyewest) December 15, 2018
“Drake verbally attacked Cudi when he was in the hospital and went at me after TMZ because I decided to release albums in June,” West wrote. He followed up by talking about his own struggle with mental illness and the stigma he’s endured.
“I am able to experience first hand how people who have mental health issues get written off by society.”
Davidson came to Kanye West’s defense on Twitter. “No one should ever point fingers at you for your bravery in speaking about mental health,” he wrote. Not long later, he posted a message on Instagram just before deleting his entire account.
“I’m doing my best to stay here for you but I actually don’t know how much longer I can last. All I’ve ever tried to do was help people. Just remember I told you so.”
No one would ever choose to end up in a mental hospital and diagnosed with a mental disorder but god chose me to publicly go through this journey and it is beautiful
— ye (@kanyewest) December 15, 2018
A police officer was sent to Davidson’s workplace to check on him, and NBC confirmed to the police that he’s fine.
Pete Davidson has Borderline Personality Disorder and has been open about both his illness and his experiences with feeling suicidal. Earlier this month, he posted on Instagram promising to never commit suicide, seeming to refer to being harassed by people online.
“I’ve spoken about B.P.D. and being suicidal publicly only in the hopes that it will help bring awareness and help kids like myself who don’t want to be on this earth,” he wrote. “No matter how hard the internet or anyone tries to make me kill myself. I won’t. I’m upset I even have to say this.”
Since posting and deleting the message that prompted the police check, both fans and those who experience mental illness have tweeted their support for the young comedian.
Am hearing Pete Davidson is at SNL and accounted for.
We are thinking of you, Pete.
You are loved.
(And just a heads up, when you finally turn on your cell, it’s gonna go apeshit for a little while) https://t.co/erUaTcPSdw
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) December 15, 2018
No matter what we think of celebrities or public figures, Pete Davidson is a human being who deserves to live. The thousands of hurtful comments to him are shameful and inhumane. Please know Pete, that you are loved by millions. Most of all, your family loves you unconditionally. pic.twitter.com/t5EFwCboEd
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) December 15, 2018
Breaks my heart to see Pete Davidson feeling like this 🙁 Hold on and stay tough man, the reason may not seem clear right now but life will come around for you. You got this bro
— Grayson Dolan (@GraysonDolan) December 15, 2018
Pete Davidson … hang in there. There is a lot of help out here. Surrender to some love some where around you … today! Right now! And then … let in the help that will become available. I’m praying for you Pete. I’ve been there. It gets better.
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) December 15, 2018
The only thing sadder than his note are actual humans telling him to kill himself.
My gosh people. We’re better than this. Wishing you health and a long life, Pete Davidson. ❤️ https://t.co/vFIyjunMJv
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) December 15, 2018
prayers for Pete Davidson. not cause it’s a Twitter trend. not cause you do or don’t “stan” him. because he’s a human with a heart who’s hurting and has to do it in front of millions of people- which can truly be the loneliest place. you’re valued Pete. we want you here.
— Tana Mongeau (@tanamongeau) December 16, 2018
Sending so much love and support to Pete Davidson right now. Forget that he’s a celebrity and remember that he’s a human being like all of us. pic.twitter.com/AUHvyteoJG
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) December 16, 2018
Love to you, Pete Davidson, & all those who share their challenges, hardships, & deeply sad times. Instead of mean spirited judgements, bullying, & harmful intent, may we please be more compassionate, understanding, & loving beings to truly feel & hear another…?✌? pic.twitter.com/AQgIFJjQji
— Melanie Gendron (@melaniegendron) December 16, 2018
Praying for Pete Davidson, Ariana Grande, and Kanye West. I may not agree with any of these individuals ALL the time (especially Kanye lol) but no one deserves to be suicidal or depressed. Mental health is a serious issue and should be treated as such.?????? pic.twitter.com/C1kPVWbXBJ
— marcusmoorehiphop (@marcusmoorehip1) December 15, 2018
I don’t care if it’s Pete Davidson or Ronda Rousey or Elton John or Princess Diana
When someone says they’re considering hurting themselves, you get them help
Here’s how:
Call Nat’l Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255Crisis Text 24/7 by texting “START” to 741-741
— Kaz Weida (@kazweida) December 15, 2018
The entire sequence of events has people on Twitter talking about mental health and how difficult it can be to go through life with a mental illness, no matter who you are. There was also widespread condemnation of the people attacking Davidson online and allegedly encouraging him to end his life.
Ariana's mental health matters
Pete Davidson's mental health matters
Kanye West's mental health matters
So does Nicki's, so does mine, so does yours
you dont know what your words can do to a person. spread more love and stop with all this hate!!
— em (@gwsngo) December 15, 2018
Point being. Pete Davidson has been very open about his mental health. And b/c a relationship didn’t work out, tens of thousands of people he doesn’t know are telling him to kill himself.
Words have real consequences. And the people who bullied him into posting this? Shame. pic.twitter.com/lUCpahlG5u
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) December 15, 2018
The only thing sadder than his note are actual humans telling him to kill himself.
My gosh people. We’re better than this. Wishing you health and a long life, Pete Davidson. ❤️ https://t.co/vFIyjunMJv
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) December 15, 2018
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
Stop bullying Pete Davidson
For the love of god
STOP BULLYING PETE DAVIDSON
— Amy Gonzalez?? (@aamyyaamyy) December 15, 2018
Best believe I don’t like Pete Davidson ONE BIT but telling him to kill himself and driving him to the point that he might consider doing it is so f up and anyone who encourages this type of behavior is disgusting period. pic.twitter.com/wQq6lQfcYU
— Nel Ari♡ (@NelitaAriana) December 15, 2018
You won’t understand it until you’ve been there. People act like this is a joke. Its not funny it’s not okay. #PeteDavidson pic.twitter.com/SZXxICMBQe
— ?????? (@victoria1x) December 15, 2018
According to Mental Health America, 44,000 people in the U.S. die by suicide every year. Having a mental illness, particularly one as serious as Borderline Personality Disorder, increases a person’s risk of death by suicide substantially. According to an article in Current Psychiatry, studies have found that individuals with this disorder suffer from a rate of suicide that’s 50 times higher than the general population.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can also reach Crisis Text by texting “START” to 741-741.