6 Mental health advocates to follow

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

A New Dawn Podcast - dedicated to mental health advocation. Square logo and white tittle - 6 Mental health advocates to follow
6 Mental health advocates to follow

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

6 Mental health advocates to follow

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 - 6 Mental health advocates to follow
6 Mental health advocates to follow

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.

Learn more

Checkout my appearance on Laugh4apurpose HERE

4. LEAD Community Foundation – Nigeria

LEAD Community Foundation Banner Green letters and a star. 6 Mental health advocates to follow
LEAD Community Foundation

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

SickNotWeak a mental health non-profit. Red logo with white banner with reds font.  - 6 Mental health advocates to follow
6 Mental health advocates to follow

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:

Follow on Twitter – @SickNotWeak

6. We Matter Too Inc.

6 Mental health advocates to follow

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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Jonathan Arenburg

Jonathan Reginald-Nixon Arenburg (Born January 14, 1976) is a Canadian mental health blogger, speaker, and published author. Retired from the fire service and long-term care fields, he has written and self-published an autobiographical account of his life-long battle with anxiety, depression and more recently, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Titled, The Road To Mental Wellness, he wrote it for what he calls “therapeutic release.” He published it in hopes it would help others going through similar mental health conditions. The sales of The Road To Mental Wellness have been steady selling over 300 copies since its release on October 10, 2021(World Mental Health Day). Arenburg has also been involved in a collaborative publication Called Lemonade Stand Volume III, a book featuring 20 authors who bravely tell their stories of PTSD. All authors where from the military and or emergency services. Published by Joshua Rivedal and Kathleen Myers for the i’Mpossible project, a mental health advocacy organization. Jonathan has also appeared on several mental health podcasts including The Depression Files, A New Dawn, and The Above Ground Podcast Arenburg has also consulted with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Honorable Brian Comer and Candidates for the New Democratic Party of Canada, on improving the mental health care system in Canada. Additionally, Jonathan was recognized in The Nova Scotia Legislature by the Honorable, Chris Palmer, Kings-North MLA, for his Book, The Road To Mental Wellness, his fight to make the mental health care system better. In addition, Chis acknowledged the support he gives to others.

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