RETHINK MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE PROFILES
Rethink Mental Health Advocates are individuals who are passionate about combatting the stigmas those with mental health issues face and debunking stereotypes around mental illness. They are passionate about the mission of Rethink Mental Health Incorporated and have a strong desire to leverage their platform for social good.
Below is a list of our ever-growing network of Advocates, including details on their relationship with mental health and our mission along with their website, blog or social media links.
Below is a list of our ever-growing network of Advocates, including details on their relationship with mental health and our mission along with their website, blog or social media links.
Meet Our ADVOCATES
Learn more about the Advocates of Rethink Mental Health Incorporated
and follow them on social media for more insights about their efforts to rethink mental health!
To inquire about booking one of our Advocates as a speaker or for an event contact support@rethinkstigma.org
and follow them on social media for more insights about their efforts to rethink mental health!
To inquire about booking one of our Advocates as a speaker or for an event contact support@rethinkstigma.org
New advocates
Coming soon! |
Learn more
About becoming an Advocate |
Nick "JJ" Barba
TEXAS, USAAbout
I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. There have been days when my poor mental health glued me beneath my sheets and forced me to stay there all day. I know how hard it is to be imprisoned by your own mind, and I want to help people the same way other people have helped me in my darkest times. I know what it’s like to constantly be battling your self, and I want the struggles that I have experienced to make it easier for somebody else. Social Media
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John Reynolds
Lancashire, UKABOUT
I have beaten depression several times which still feels weird to say considering as a child I was always so happy. Although looking back now I can see some of the signs that would eventually lead to me having anxiety and OCD. All of these illnesses have left me at the lowest I have ever felt, and at times I thought there was no way out - that I would never smile or laugh again, or be able to leave the house without somebody with me. I want to use my platform as an Advocate to encourage people to talk and offer support to their friends, and to make sure that everyone knows how to practice self-care and be kinder to themselves and others. If we all did this, we would live in such a happier world. I intend to regularly talk about Rethink on my podcast Art Imitates Life SOCIAL MEDIA
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Halle Rae
Arizona, USAAbout
I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. There have been days when my poor mental health glued me beneath my sheets and forced me to stay there all day. I know how hard it is to be imprisoned by your own mind, and I want to help people the same way other people have helped me in my darkest times. I know what it’s like to constantly be battling your self, and I want the struggles that I have experienced to make it easier for somebody else. Social Media
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Danielle Morris 
Flintshire, WalesABOUT
Mental health is a subject close to my heart, I am passionate about helping people who are struggling with certain aspects within their life. Having gone through mental health illness myself, I want to give others the hope that they can get through their struggles with the right help and support and they are not alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I am passionate about being a positive in someone’s life. AFFIRMATIONS
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Ana Hopgood
Florida, USAABOUT
I have dealt with mental health through personal experience. I have seen mental health affect loved ones, friends and myself. In the past, I felt as if I didn't have a voice or that what I thought didn't matter. I know what it is like to feel trapped as if there is no escape. It is a very uncomfortable feeling. Previously, I would have never had the courage to share my story but today, I am proud of my story because I wouldn't be myself without it. My story battling depression, anxiety, OCD and substance abuse is a sign of resilience rather than weakness! SOCIAL MEDIA
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Chetna Arora
NoiDa, IndiaAbout
My relationship with mental health is like ocean waves. Sometimes it's up and sometimes it's down. Sometimes I am able to manage my issues, sometimes I am not, and I believe it's okay cause that's how life works. Without the ups and downs, it will not be able to appreciate the beauty of ocean waves. Social Media
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Kevon Brown 
Connecticut, USAABOUT
I’m a very humble person but, When you love everything your doing but still find moments to cry unexpectedly, are you really happy or is it time to get an outside opinion ? It took me along time to answer that question... speaking to the person changed multiple outlooks & because of my surroundings, I realize I was actual BLINDED to the underlying issues. ME SOCIAL MEDIA
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Renata Duga
Budapest, HungaryABOUT
During elementary school i have developed social anxiety, later on i also started to battle with panic disorder and atypical depression, and nowadays i’m still not entirely okay, but on my way to healing. This journey of recovery has been very tough, mainly because the people in my family and around me had no knowledge or understanding about mental illnesses, therefore i recieved zero help or support. I made the decision myself to go see a therapist at 16, and since then i’ve met some wonderful people who listened to me when i needed, but when i look back i know i always had to rely on myself only. This difficult experience made me realize i want to advocate for the people who are in the same situation as me, i want to be a voice and example for those who are alone with their demons. I want to help them see that it is very much possible to get better, even if you seem to receive no help, or can’t make anyone understand what you are going through. And i also want to educate everyone on all mental health related topics, so hopefully there will be a little less people feeling alone in their struggles. SOCIAL MEDIA
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ABDULGHAN MOHAMMED ZOWANGE
Ontario, CanadaAbout
I want everyone to feel lucky. I need everyone surrounding me to not undergo what I went through. I with success. I wish hope on everyone. Social Media
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Rose Falconer
Newcastle, UKABOUT
My relationship with mental health is very personal as I have had a mental illness. I was diagnosed with BPD and always try to see the beauty in a very complexed illness. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Elvina Pillay
Kwa-Zulu Natal, South AfricaABOUT
As someone who has had a personal battle with anxiety and depression, I think it is extremely important for people to learn how to make their mental health a priority. An unhealthy mental state can become extremely dangerous, especially if people are dealing with it alone. As an advocate, I will dedicate my time to being a frequent support system for those who feel alone and using my personal experiences to help people overcome the mental illnesses. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Harrison Whittaker
YorkshirE, UKAbout
I want to become an advocate to have a voice for those with mental health issues that feel like they don’t have a voice. I hope disseminate a message of hope and support. I have suffered with mental health problems, so I understand what it’s like to feel like you don’t have a voice. Social Media
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Lauren Phillips
South YORKSHIRE, UKABOUT
I have had mental health issues from a young age but did not succeed at a young age and it made the process harder when I did find help. I want to be the voice and person I couldn’t find or get growing up. I want to make a step in the change of people not being a shame to ask for help. Also to end stigma and give knowledge to those who aren’t sufficiently educated on the illness and give possible triggers to identify which may affect their recovery. SOCIAL MEDIA
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GAbrielle Pattinson
pennsylvania, USAAbout
Gabrielle battled with anxiety and depression along with an eating disorder from a very young age. Her senior year of high school she met her now husband whose support helped bring her back from "rock bottom" and as a result she began her road to recovery, including celebrating 9 years of no longer having an eating disorder. She works really hard to not let anxiety rule her life and has been in a much better place over the last couple years because of coping mechanism she found work for her. She wants to be a more helpful person to those who need someone to look to for ideas on how to get to a better place too. Social Media
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Kenrie Seymour
Moore’s Islan, BAhamasAbout
Mental health is a crucial part of my life. I know what it’s like to be in a dark place and not feeling loved. Mental health should be taken seriously it can save many lives. It’s important to be mentally stable always. Affirmations
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NATHAN SMITH
WASHINGTON DC, USAAbout
Nathan was interested in becoming a Rethink Mental Health Advocate because he believes that reducing the mental health stigma and sharing experiences with mental health are two of the best ways we can affect change, and being an Advocate would allow him to do those things well. We achieve so much more together than on our own, and he wants to bring that same attitude and energy to Rethink. Social Media
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Kaitlyn Jones
TennESSEE, USAAbout
I've struggled with my mental health; specifically anxiety and depression on and off for about 3 years. With me being a Sophomore in high school, it's exhausting. Although sadly, it has been more adamant these past couple months. With a presence of suicidal thoughts and ideation, it's been a difficult road to say the least. That along with trauma is an exuberating experience to say the least. Along the road, I've had little to no support from anyone around me as mental illnesses are extremely stigmatized but I did and do have one person who I can confidently say; saved my life and I'd love to be that for someone. I'm super ecstatic to be able to help others find hope in whatever their situation may be. sOCIAL MEDIA
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Aneshia Grey
NEW YORK, USAABOUT
Mental Health has followed me throughout my early years in life. I have been diagnosed with depression at the age of 12 and struggled silently until I was almost at the brink of ending my life. I realized that being silent is not the proper way of coping with mental illness and sought help to become mentally healthy. Being able to have a voice and speak on what I've been through and how I've gotten to this point is motivation to me. I'm studying to become a Mental Health Counselor because those may be struggling silently, may need a helping hand to use their voice to become Mentally Healthy. I would like to inspire those who are silent to become a Voice. Affirmations
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Escape The Ordinary
NEW YORK, USAABOUT
Hi, my name is Sabrina. I am 25 years old. I have dealt with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders since a young age. I also have a daughter who has anxiety and add. I believe that every person should be able to live a life that they enjoy even with mental illnesses. SOCIAL MEDIA
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AZA
Zamboanga del Norte, PhiLIPPINESAbout
During my teenage years I had manifested signs and symptoms of depression, but I didn't have the opportunity to access help from professionals since we are living in a remote town where mental health is not a priority. I have friends who have experienced the same. We are like a flock of broken people but here is the thing, I can see their great potential, they have talents.They believe in my capabilities too when I can't. I faced failures with courage knowing there are people who believed in me even when I doubt myself. I want to inspire everyone who suffers from mental disorders and everyone whose mental health are at risk that we matter and we those negativity does not define who you are. We are able and we will raise our flags! Social Media
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Leah Rheana Weeks
LOUSIANA, USAAbout
I have always dealt with depression, anxiety and in the past few years I’ve been dealing with PTSD. It’s been an uphill battle and I’ve never given up because I’ve always lived by the expression that it gets better because it does!! I want to use my story to help others! I want to use my story so people can understand that mental is so important! It’s never to late for help! Social Media
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Namrata
CALIFORNiA, USAAbout
Namrata is new to her Mental Health journey. She has had close friends who have been through difficult experiences. In her culture, mental health remains a stigma to this current date. She aspires to change people’s perspective on mental health one day at a time. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Victoria Brammer
Mental Health Advocate for support and Personal GrowthAbout
Victoria has personal as well as professional experience in roles as a coach, mentor, and trainer. She has always been able to find different ways to relate to others, and she finds the most joy in helping others become/achieve what they want/need. She has studied behavioral intelligence for her own growth and has found the more she learns and practices the more she is able to understand others with an open mind. Over the years Victoria has been through a mental/emotional roller coaster and she wouldn't have gotten to where she is now without the advocates that supported her. This is why she strives to advocate for others in return! Affirmations
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JOSH ROITBERG
Advocate for mental health recovery and spiritual supportABOUT
Josh has both worked in the mental health field and experienced mental health issues first hand. His professional experience has driven his empathy for others and his personal experience has motivated him to actively work on his own recovery. Through both of those experiences, Josh has learned valuable information and advice that he wants to share to help other people. Josh hopes to be of service to this cause that he feels passionate about and wants to help change the way people receive mental health support in a progressive way moving forward. Josh also has a special focus the spiritual and holistic approach to mental health support through activities like inner work and observing/changing personal habits. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Sarah Duffy
MARYLAND, USAABOUT
Sarah is currently 16 years old and has struggled with anxiety and depression from a young age. Her personal experiences have motivated her to bring attention to the stigma surrounding mental health because she believes it discourages people like herself from getting help. She’s actively advocated for mental health in many ways, including publishing an editorial on this issue in the Capital and beginning plans for a ‘March for Mental Health Awareness’ in her city for the coming year. Between having personally struggled with mental illness and having seen 3 teen suicides in her area go without the awareness and support they deserved, helping to end the stigma of mental illness is very important to her. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Charles Ituah
Lagos, NIGERIAABOUT
Growing up I have always been passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. I had my own fair share of depressive episodes but my defining moment was when I gave my to Jesus, He took away all the pressure away from me. I now advocate strongly for the enlightenment of proper mental health and how people can be able to live life without the fear of being stigmatized just because they are going through a series of mental health issues. Meditation, Yoga, Mindfulness has been a daily practice for me to realign myself to the present moment and I try not to live life worried about little matters. My mental health is very important to me and I protect it with a strong heart. I advocate for mental health because I want to see other people living life without fear of being judged because they might have a mental health issue. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Lisa Kift
CALIFORNIA, USAABOUT
Lisa supports the notion of de-stigmatizing mental health issues so more people will come forward for help and reach out for support from friends, family and their community. Lisa has a very popular website called LoveAndLifeToolbox.com with a focus on emotional health and relationships, newsletter and am active in social media. Additionally, she is a licensed Marriage And Family Therapist with working with individuals and couples. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Frank Arias
nEW YORK, USAABOUT
My name is Frank Arias and I have been advocating for mental health for a while . I have been through a lot of losses in my life and have been there for my friends and family as a help and someone that they can come to and listen. I went through a personal list of a friend which had started my journey into the awareness of mental health. I have someone close to me with bi-polar symptoms and I have personally have seen what it can do to a person if someone does not stop and tries to help . Please let stop the stigma of people not being aware that this is real and it can happen to the best of us SOCIAL MEDIA
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Shireen Aljundi
CALIFORNIA, USAAbout
In 2013 Shireen was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and even ptsd. It was a journey and a roller coaster of emotions and experiences and it took her a really long time to ask for help. She had a hard time finding a good support system and she was not education about her own illness which made things more frustrating. Having overcome these common barriers, Shireen wants to helps others and inform our community on the importance of mental health so we can stop this stigma. People are losing their lives everyday due to mental health issues and one person can make a difference. She want to inspire people to not be ashamed of their mental health and promote how important it is. She want to make a change. Social Media
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KEVIN Johnson
GEORGIA, USAAbout
Kevin Johnson is the founder of a nonprofit organization that is committed to eradicating the stigma of mental illness, conveying awareness about bullying and its psychological effects, and augmenting efforts to prevent suicide. Kevin’s life mission has never wavered from his desire to educate, inspire, and motivate the masses to maximize their full potentials in life to avoid being held prisoners by their pasts. Kevin is a blogger, podcaster, and published author. His article, Chronic Poverty: The Factorial Implications of Bullying, Trauma, and Education in the Poverty-Stricken Population, is featured in the 2019 Special Edition of the European Journal of Educational Sciences. Kevin is the founder of DBSA Central Georgia, a Depression and Bipolar Support Group affiliated with the national Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. He is a field advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and a member of the Georgia Education Committee. Social Media
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Fabiola Ciarleglio
HAMPSHIRE, UKAbout
Fabriola advocates for mental health to spread positivity and help people know they aren't alone and that it's ok not to be ok. She strives to influence mental health improvements and does so by blogging on a separate instagram account about mental health. SOCIAL MEDIA
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CalVIN LONG
OHIO, USAAbout
In 2019, Calvin published Mile Behind the Smile, Rediscovering Our Happiness Through Embracing Our Stories. In this book, Calvin shares a compilation of stories from people who have been able to overcome varying mental health struggles & were able to find genuine happiness through acts of kindness, selflessness, service, and love. With this book, Calvin wanted to show the strength and healing that comes with being vulnerable and open with our stories. He is an advocate for growing from our pasts, not allowing our mental health to weigh us down in the natural progression of life and happiness. After struggling with social anxiety since middle school, Calvin has learned the importance of seeking solace and using his story as a vehicle to support others. Everyone has a story to tell, no matter the ups and downs. Let our stories be a lighthouse that guides others through the storm. Social Media
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Amy Watkins
Powys, WALESAbout
Amy has had her blog "Daisies and Bruises" for almost two years, and she couldn't imagine life without it. Only three years ago, she was sexually assaulted, and less than a year later, after finally opening up, she fell into a deep depression. She was diagnosed with depression and PTSD, for which she was given counseling, medication and extra support. But none of that came close to the support she received once she started her blog. It became a journal, allowing her to express her emotions, whilst supporting others along the way. Amy is committed to normalizing mental health in day to day life. She believes everyone has a purpose, and should be told so. Amy knows what it feels like to almost give up, to wake up in the morning and wish you were dead. She pulled herself through that, worked hard to make a name for her blog and herself, and never felt so good in her twenty two years. She believes that with support from people who have been through it, that others can come out on top and make a name and life for themselves also. Social Media
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Jacqui Jones
CALIFORNIA, USAAbout
Jacqui became a Rethink Mental Health Advocate because she has been personally affected by mental illness and the stigma that is often associated with it. She strives to be an inspiration to those with mental heath issues, especially children and young adults, and let them know that they are not alone. As the president of a mental health club on her college campus and a student wellness ambassador, she has experience leading and helping others. She is passionate about eliminating the mental health inequities many communities face in regards to cultural stigma as she also an international student and has faced stigma from her own cultural background. Affirmations
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NATASHA NAFRINI
WISCONSIN, USAABOUT
Natasha is Mom Influencer, Blogger, and Vlogger. Her focus is to discuss parenting issues and bring awareness to Mental Health with New Millennial mothers, like herself. Mental Health issues run in her family and she sought therapy to overcome postpartum depression and to learn how to manage her anxiety. She can relate personally to the stigmas of mental health and hope to help combat it by influencing a healthy dialogue about mental health. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Samantha Foster
NEVADA, USAABOUT
My mental health journey brought me to the creation of Rethink Mental Health Incorporated after a major turning point in my life. At the age of 22 I was finally given the correct diagnosis, detoxed from medications I had been wrongly prescribed, and learned about therapies and life-practices that could (and ultimately did) improve my mental wellbeing and quality of life. I went from rock-bottom hopelessness about never being "normal" to a sense of empowerment that gave me the hope and motivation I was previously lacking to take charge of my mental health. That empowerment is what I hope to spread through our educational and advocacy initiatives at Rethink Mental Health Incorporated. As a result, more people can speak openly about what they are going through or seek the professional help they need without fear of stigmatization, discrimination or harassment. As a result, our society can accept that it is OK to NOT be OK! SOCIAL MEDIA
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Melissa Manfredi
ILLINOIS, USAABOUT
Melissa first started her mental health journey 5 years ago after getting out of an abusive relationship. She had struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. On top of that, she also has ADD. Melissa sought professional help and found an amazing support team. Every day is still a challenge but it's always worth going through knowing that each day is getting better. SOCIAL MEDIA
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Samantha Santos
CALIFORNIA, USA |