Twitter users began thanking Stone for being so candid and sharing his struggles with them, giving them a newfound hope through troubling times. Many who reached out to him struggle with depression themselves, and, knew exactly how he felt 8 years ago.
I have been going through a severe depression myself. Your tweet helps me see out today's day and probably tomorrow and then the day after. Thank you for sharing this and unknowingly inspiring me to fight another day. strength to you!
— Alok Badri (@alok_TTID) November 21, 2017
I'm in a pretty dark place at the moment but it's just that hope that you never know what tomorrow can bring that keeps me going
— Emile Strunz (@EmileStrunz) November 20, 2017
Thank you for sharing your personal story in one profoundly inspirational tweet, Craig. You probably don't even realise just how many people you have given hope to. Thank you. #MentalHealthMatters
— Erika Dallimore (@erikadallimore) November 20, 2017
I'm going to think about this every day until I can take a photo of my own
— nopevember (@suzanne_mayes) November 20, 2017
When I was pregnant I planned to end my life as soon as my baby was old enough to survive without me. I believed everyone who told me I wouldn't cope, I'd be a rubbish mum. Now the love of my life is nearly eight and tells me I'm the best mum in the world, the perfect team.
— Queen of Shoe Tattoos (@ShoeTattoos) November 19, 2017
Thank you Mr. Stone. The story about your powerful tweet, and the hope it has given many, has reached me at the moment I needed it most.
— Nick Pedota ⛳️ (@TheNickPedota) November 21, 2017
Wow such an inspiring tweet that should be shared far and wide. You have an adorable boy indeed. Xxxxx
— Claire Hall (@Claire_Hall1) November 19, 2017
So moving. Thanks for posting. ✊? I hope your tomorrows are a blessing. The little guy is adorable.
— Jamie Susskind (@jamiesusskind) November 19, 2017
Stone also responded thanking everyone for giving him the love he sometimes needs, too.
Reading through the comments here is a joy. And to think, they said Twitter was full of trolls. All I'm seeing is lovely people being supportive and happy for happiness. Thank you for all the lovely responses! Big hugs everyone. x
— Craig Stone (@craigstone_) November 20, 2017
He also told indy100:
I wasn’t going to share it. I was going to walk past the bench and ignore it. It’s a trick of the mind to stay silent; depression demands silence to do its best work, and I’m just as susceptible to that trick as everyone else. But my wife (Carolyn) decided to buy chips from the camper van opposite the bench (of all places). And while we were in the queue Obie (our son) ran around the actual bench. I think I just wanted to share something that expressed how amazing it is being a Dad, but by doing so I also stated that love and time overcome. And they do.
He also mentioned that he received hundreds of tweets and direct messages on Twitter from people claiming the simple tweet really helped them when they needed it most. It just goes to show you, sharing your own stories can help someone else through a hard time. Never be ashamed of what you go through in life, you never know who is struggling just the same.