Part 1.
Since I started My #mentalhealthblog, I’ve worked with some awesome advocates: Here are the 6 mental health advocates to follow Pt. 1
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So, I’ve been writing about #mentalhealth for a few years now, and it’s been a unique adventure. Not only has it been an interesting journey, but it’s also been very healing. However, not for the reasons you might be thinking.
Yes, it’s true, the art of writing itself has been very therapeutic. And the feedback from my work has been like a dose of healing powder – thanks, everyone. So, in that respect, I have been gifted with a passion and a purpose. Writing – thank God, I found you.
Despite this, writing, podcasting, and doing podcast appearances, do little for me at times.. For example, when I’m immersed in the muck of dread and angst. Let’s face it, sometimes our mental pain is just too great to do anything. I bet many of you can relate.
In other words, it’s in these moments where my life stops. Consequently, when this happens, everything stops. My writing, my podcasts, everything.
In crisis? Go to Crisis Services Canada
Thankfully however, I have one thing left that I can turn to when I’m down and out. The mental-health community. What an amazing group of people. So amazing in fact, that I want to dedicate this series to all the best ones I know of. However, if you ask me, they are all great.
What’s so special about the #mentalhealthcommunity? Well, they’re non-judgmental, empathetic, and always supportive. Personally, I have never had a fellow mental- illness sufferer try and minimize how I am feeling, or say, “My PTSD is worse than yours.” As far as I can tell, it’s the least divided group I’ve been involved in.
Now, without further ado, here are the 5 mental health advocates to follow – Part One.
1. A New Dawn by Dawnette Brenne
In the number one spot is Dawnette Brenne, of A New Dawn. A very dedicated and passionate person who made it her mission to create a dialogue around mental illness. Her goal? To normalize mental illness.
Dawnette was the first person to reach out to me when I first started The Road To Mental Wellness. I was nervous, but her dedication to mental health made me feel at ease. She was amazing and her work equally is so. She was so inspiring, that Dawnette continues to inspire me to this day. Follow on Twitter – @ANewDawn_AA
Listen to my podcast appearance on A New Dawn HERE
2. The Depression Files with AL Levin
When Al asked me to be a guest on the depression files, I jumped at the opportunity. Turns out, I loved every second of it. It was so enjoyable, I reached out to Al for a second appearance.
The depression file’s primary goal is to talk about #mensmentalhealth by inviting people from all walks of life to tell their story. What’s so great about his podcast is that it has both mental-illness sufferers and experts alike. Within the impressive episodes, you’ll find talks on everything from the mental-health system to therapeutic suggestions that may help with depression. Look for Al and The Depression Files on Twitter – @allevin18 #thederessionfiles
Why not have a listen to the episode – an episode that has been download 730 time!
Listen to my appearance on the Depression Files HERE
3. Laugh4apurpose podcast – With Big Kev
laugh4apurpose podcast is near and dear to my heart because bigKev and I became fast friends. Not only was the conversation one of the best I’ve ever had on the Internet, but it was also the first time that I had talked about my book, The Road To Mental Wellness, which was published in October 2021.
BigKev is an amazingly big-hearted fellow who will help anyone and everyone to help improve their mental well-being. Personally, I think that’s what makes his podcast absolutely amazing! Basically, his passion is a level 10 when interviewing folks. I would go back a million times if it were possible. Very inspiring Follow-on Twitter – @Laugh4APurpose
Please help BigKev with his Baskets4apurpose campaign. “Baskets Of Hope” aims to provide kids and parents alike with items and literature to help reduce their anxiety. Baskets full of great resources.
Checkout my appearance on Laugh4apurpose HERE
4. LEAD Community Foundation – Nigeria
The LEAD Community Foundation is primarily a mental-health advocacy organization based in Nigeria but with other locations throughout Africa. I’ve had the great pleasure to have been the guest of honor at two of their education workshops on mental illness. @Kelvin Opiepie, the founder, and his dedicated team are committed to improving the mental well-being of people in Africa. An amazing feat, by an amazing group of people.
Here’s my latest workshop for LEAD – My Journey with PTSD
Follow LEAD Community Foundation on Twitter – @Leadproject8
5. SickNotWeak
Another hard-working mental-health advocacy group. Based out of Canada, #SickNotWeak has been fighting against stigma for years. Michael Landsburg and his team work tirelessly to help make life better for people with depression and more.
You can find my articles here:
- Men, We Have A Problem
- Man up on Mental Illness – The Silence of Men
Follow on Twitter – @SickNotWeak
6. We Matter Too Inc.
We Matter Too was founded in 2020 by Dr. Ashley Perkins and John Bollinger to provide resources and community for those with mental-health issues, mental disorders, and their caregivers.
We Matter Too is an organization made of individuals that use their stories and lived experiences to provide support to peers. What a great bunch! I had the honor of doing an interview with their team and it was very enjoyable. I will be doing more with this organization in future, if given the chance.
Check out my Instagram interview HERE:
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So, there you have it, my 6 mental health advocates to follow part one. While these are the first in my installment, there are so many amazing mental-health advocates out there.
Surf social media and find the ones you click with.
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