JESSICA KELLY, HEAD OF MARKETING
Why do you think it’s important to foster a positive mental health culture?
I grew up in a generation and within an environment where mental health was pretty much a non-topic. If you experienced any anxiety and depression you suffered quietly - ashamed of your feelings and fearful that you weren’t “normal”. In college while I was studying biology, I became fascinated with the mind/body connection, the huge effect one has on the other, and our power to enhance both to a large degree. I switched my major to psychology and since then, I have been a huge advocate and champion for looking after my own, as well as others’ mental wellbeing. Our mindsets truly dictate our overall happiness and sense of peace - and I believe mental health should be proactively discussed and nurtured throughout one’s life. I am thrilled that these types of conversations are becoming way more prevalent - however, much more needs to be done (as demonstrated by the high rate of childhood and adult depression during these especially trying times). We need to understand and respect that how we nourish our minds is just as important as how we nourish our bodies.
What is one thing you do to boost your mental health?
I’ve struggled throughout my life with anxiety - although I just thought I was your typical high strung and Type A New Yorker! When I was in my mid 20s, I started exercising frequently with a trainer and that truly transformed my life. He uncovered not only my physical strength, but my mental fortitude… and my best prescription for settling my monkey mind. So, the most significant thing I do to boost my mental health is movement! Yoga, CrossFit, hiking, walking, snowboarding, paddle boarding - a good sweat (preferably in sunshine) clears my head, gives me an instant boost of energy and gratitude for my health, my supportive fitness community and the beautiful nature all around us. Just move in any capacity you can! Even for just 10 minutes a day - I promise it will elevate your mood and day!
JULES REYES, BRAND MANAGER
Why do you think it’s important to foster a positive mental health culture?
Fostering a positive mental health culture is crucial to nurture a community of happier and whole people that are resourced with healthy tools to navigate through life and all types of relationships. I've learned that when you share some of your vulnerability it invites others to feel safe enough to share and embrace theirs, which begins the process of normalizing discussions around mental health — in order for people to share their experiences, they need to feel safe enough to do so. There's still much work to do around normalizing therapy/mental health and creating accessible resources for those that need it. It's encouraging to see more and more people beginning discussions around mental health which is the surefire way of de-stigmatizing it.
What is one thing you do to boost your mental health?
I speak to my therapist every week. It took me years to summon up the courage to seek support outside of my small circle of family and friends (many of which are not resourced to offer support in ways that I need it the most). My therapist has played an essential part in encouraging me to embrace my whole self and has helped me establish personal/professional boundaries to protect my mental health. She continues to resource me with tools to navigate through inevitable challenges and has been the most incredible support system to help me begin healing through painful experiences (like depression and grief). Working with her has helped me recognize that I'm important, too. I used to believe that I was a "people pleaser" and would constantly prioritize the needs of others while disowning my own. Reframing that thought has helped me understand that you must take care of yourself first to create capacity to take care of others (whether they be your loved ones, family, community, team, etc.)
ROBERT SNOW, DIRECTOR OF FOODSERVICE
Why do you think it’s important to foster a positive mental health culture?
It’s important to foster a positive mental health culture as it’s the backbone to my own healthy lifestyle all around. When I’m in a good mental state I want to do more activities, be creative, and work on my physical health as well.
What is one thing you do to boost your mental health?
I’m lucky to have a big family that I’m close to so I’ll generally dial up my family or friends on FaceTime if I’m ever feeling down.
NIKKO MEZA, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Why do you think it’s important to foster a positive mental health culture?
Mental health is an integral part of personal wellness. The quote, “People who feel good, do good” comes to my mind when I think of supportive mental health culture. When your environment or culture is supportive to your personal wellness, it benefits everyone involved.
What is one thing you do to boost your mental health?
Self care- all the way! I do “check- in’s” with myself on how i’m feeling and what my needs are in those moments. This can lead me to many activities, including: tending to my plants, spending time with loved ones, or some quality alone time! I try to always have a list of feel good activities to refer to, that I know will help me stay feeling good.
LAUREN CAMPOSANO, CONTENT CREATOR
Why do you think it’s important to foster a positive mental health culture?
Fostering a positive mental health culture is a step toward a better society. Being knowledgeable and transparent about mental health can make it easier for us to learn tools to better manage our emotions, and better understand ourselves and others. If we can be more open about these topics, we’ll be able to stop judging others who are probably going through the same thing we are- resulting in a more supportive, compassionate community. With a positive mental health culture, we will end up feeling more comfortable sharing with others if we are going through a challenging time, making it easier for those of us who need help to reach out.
What is one thing you do to boost your mental health?
I make sure to do at least one thing just for myself every day, and oftentimes that one thing for me is yoga. Our society can glorify overworking and constant productivity, and taking time out in the morning to slow down and focus on me puts everything into perspective. Practicing this form of self-care has allowed me to be more in-touch with myself, so I can recognize when I need to take a break to avoid burnout.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Your mental health matters to us. We wanted you to know that we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are in need of a safe space. We would also like to share resources to consider exploring if you are in need of support:
- BetterHelp: is on a mission to make professional counseling accessible, affordable, convenient for anyone that needs support. Click here to find a therapist that is right for you.
- Asian Mental Health Collective: AMHC focuses on normalizing and de-stigmatizing mental health within the Asian community
- Therapy for Black Girls: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a licensed psychologist, speaker and the host of the wildly popular mental health podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. She focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
