World Mental Health Day: People Making a Difference
I’ve been reflecting on some incredible people who are using their platforms to advocate for mental health, and I’m in total awe.
World Mental Health Day is coming up this Thursday, October 10th, and I want to spotlight voices that are not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to breaking the stigma and raising awareness.
Mental health affects every single one of us. It's not a niche issue, and seeing so many well-known figures step up and share their own journeys has been inspiring.
This year, I want to highlight some mental health advocates—therapists, celebrities, influencers—who are making a real difference. These are people who’ve personally inspired me, and I believe their stories could inspire you too.
Selena Gomez – Mental Health Advocate
Selena Gomez has become one of the most visible mental health advocates of our time, using her platform to share her personal journey with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. What I love about Selena is how she’s completely unafraid to be vulnerable, which is rare in Hollywood. She’s constantly reminding us that it’s OK to not be OK, and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Through her work with the Rare Impact Fund, which focuses on providing mental health services to underserved communities, she’s showing us all that mental health care should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background. Selena’s bravery in sharing her story is helping to normalize the conversation around mental health, making it easier for the rest of us to open up.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula – Advocate for Narcissistic Abuse Awareness
Dr. Ramani is a force of nature in the psychology world, and when it comes to understanding narcissistic abuse, she’s the go-to expert. Her work has helped so many people gain clarity around the toxic relationships that leave emotional scars. If you’ve ever been stuck in a relationship that’s doing more harm than good, you’ll find Dr. Ramani’s approach incredibly validating. She focuses a lot on helping survivors of narcissistic abuse heal and find peace, which is such a critical message. I’m proud to say that I get to work alongside Dr. Ramani as a fellow educator on MedCircle. Trust me, her insights are transformative, and I’m so grateful she’s out here doing this work!
Dr. Thema Bryant – Psychologist and Past President of the American Psychological Association
Dr. Thema Bryant’s work is all about healing trauma, and she does it powerfully and creatively, like an artist painting a masterpiece. As a past president of the American Psychological Association, she’s been leading the charge on making mental health more inclusive, particularly for communities of color. What I love about Dr. Thema is how she weaves spirituality, creativity, and culture into her mental health teachings. She’s all about finding what works for YOU, which is a message that deeply resonates with me. For World Mental Health Day, Dr. Thema has been encouraging all of us to practice self-compassion, and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?
Matt Haig – Author and Mental Health Advocate
Matt Haig’s writing always uplifts my soul. If you’ve read Reasons to Stay Alive or The Midnight Library, then you know just how deeply his writing captures the essence of the human experience. He’s been refreshingly open about his struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and his raw honesty has brought comfort to countless people. What I appreciate most about Matt is his ability to be real about the tough times while still offering hope. He doesn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff, but he reminds us that there is always a reason to keep going, even when it feels impossible. Matt shares the kind of truth that can change lives, and I am so grateful for his voice and his work.
Jameela Jamil – Activist and Founder of the "I Weigh" Movement
Jameela Jamil has moved fearlessly in her fight against toxic beauty standards and has become a leading voice in the conversation about body image and mental health. Her “I Weigh” movement encourages people to define their worth beyond numbers on a scale, and it’s been a breath of fresh air. Jameela’s openness about her own struggles with eating disorders and depression makes her advocacy incredibly personal stuff. She’s also beyond hilarious, so following her makes me cry, laugh, and really want to reflect on my choices at the same time.
These advocates remind me that mental health is something we all need to prioritize—not just for ourselves, but for the people we care about. Stigma in mental health can feel oppressive and discouraging, but seeing these amazing individuals speak up gives me hope that real change is possible. The work they’re doing has had a huge impact on me, and I hope it has the same effect on you.
This World Mental Health Day, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself—whether that’s a breath, a conversation with a friend, or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come. Remember, mental health is a journey we are on, not a race to be won, and taking care of yourself each day is the most important thing you can do.
Let’s break the stigma, support one another, and create a world where mental health is treated with the care it truly deserves.
BTW, my mission is help people love their lives so they never want to leave them.
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