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. View their profiles to learn more about why they advocate for mental health and follow them on social media for more insights about their efforts to help "rethink" mental health!

If you are interested in becoming a Rethink Mental Health Advocates, learn more and apply here!
​To inquire about booking one of our Advocates as a speaker or for an event contact support@rethinkstigma.org

Meet Our ADVOCATES

Explore our global team of Mental Health advocates

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Become a mental health Advocate Today!

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Becca Corcoran

Essex, UK

About
I have had a fairly turbulent relationship with mental health this year. I have struggled to gather the courage to reach out for support for years until the beginning of this year. I know how much the stigma affected my ability to reach out and I want to be a voice for people and advocate for them to reach out. I want to normalise reaching out and asking for help by being a figure who promotes talking about difficult topics. I want to promote the fact that mental health issues should be as taken seriously as physical health issues and the treatments should reflect that fact. As a university student I speak openly about student mental health and how studying can affect mental health and how to reach out for help within the academic community and through schools and universities. ​
Social Media
Affirmations
  • Where the heart is still beating there is hope
  • Darkness doesn’t last. The sun will rise again
  • Your illness doesn’t define you, the way you deal with it does

Anne Marie Vickers

Buckinghamshire, UK

ABOUT
I have personally been through mental health and have watched family go through severe Mental health. I know how important it is to speak out, although for many this is difficult due to the stigma around it. I am passionate about supporting people to the best I can, I am kind hearted and a good listener. I believe I can help improve people's lives. ​
SOCIAL MEDIA
AFFIRMATIONS
  • It's ok to not be ok!
  • You don't have to struggle in silence
  • You matter
  • Your feelings are valid
  • Setbacks don't equal failure

RASHEEDAT LAWAL

Lagos, Nigeria

ABOUT
My mental health was very bad in 2018/ 19 and I had never felt so alone. Fortunately for me, I came across an NGO that advocates to end the stigma associated with mental illness. Being a part of the community helped me realise that just like we may be physically ill, mental illness does exist as well and it is just as important. Since then, I make conscious effort to improve my mental health and to support people struggling with theirs.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Affirmations
  • You are not alone.
  • We all have our down times some day. It's okay not to be okay.
  • There is always a safe space to talk about what you feel without being judged.
  • Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
  • You are beautiful inside and out.

Gloria Gaines

Texas, USA

About
Mental health and wellness plays a very big part in improved physical health, better relationships, and the overall quality of life.
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Your illness does not define you.
  • You are worthy.
  • You have a purpose.
  • You are loved.
  • You can not find happiness outside of yourself.

Lucy

WALES, UK

ABOUT
As someone who has previously battled mental health I want to be a voice for others ​
SOCIAL MEDIA
TikTok: @supportingmentalhealth0
AFFIRMATIONS
  • It may be a bad day month or year but not a bad life
  • Strong walls shake but they don’t crumble

Jordan Ollech

Wisconsin, USA

About
I have always struggled with mental health. One thing I have learned that has helped me significantly is to take things day by day. Nothing can be fixed in just one day or one minute. Life is an ongoing fight, and it is important to fight not just survive with the ongoing obstacles and humps life throws at us. If I can do it, you can too!
Social Media
Affirmations
  • Take things day by day

Paris Prynkiewicz

ARIZONA, USA

ABOUT
I have struggled tremendously in the past when I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder while hospitalized at 19 years old. This experience propelled me into dedicating my life to help myself and others strip away the stigma we so often associate with mental health struggles. I even went back to work in the very same clinic I was once a patient at when I was 19 at 23, fresh out of college, to gain more experience working and helping others. These experiences inspired me to launch my podcast, Crooked Illness, where I enjoy bringing more conversations related to mental health and mindset to the table. I created this space as a place for people to share their struggles, moments of realization and come-ups in order to inspire, motivate and educate others! I have made it my mission to continue doing all I can in the mental health space to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health struggles entirely. My hope is to restore hope in those who feel it is lost and to use my story to uplift and show others that they can share theirs as well!
SOCIAL MEDIA
AFFIRMATIONS
  • I choose to stop apologizing for being me
  • I consciously release the past and live fully in the present
  • I choose to let go of my fear and love myself for who I am
  • I am strong, capable and fully deserving of love
  • My possibilities are endless
  • My goals are achievable and I am grateful for what I can do

Colleen Lyons

MICHIGAN, USA

ABOUT
I am a mental health advocate and walking billboard, 11 tattoos! Based on personal experience, I realized how much mental health can influence one's life. I strive to break the mental health stigma by sharing my own mental health issues with the world. I hope we can normalize going to therapy and talk about it like one does going to the gym. Together we can make a change! Mental health matters!
Social Media
Affirmations
  • You don't have to struggle in silence! 
  • I am not my disorder.
  • My mental illness is only a small part of who I am. 
  • I am allowed to have mental health struggles.
  • Happiness is an emotion that I experience daily. 
  • Even with depression, I experience joy.

Allie Nicole

GeorGia, USA

ABOUT
I have severe depression anxiety and recurring ptsd with nightmares. I am also a recovering Cutter. I love helping people and helping people is what helps me.
SOCIAL MEDIA
TikTok: @johnnys.wifey4life8086
Affirmations
  • You're worthy, you're enough and its definitely ok not to be okay. ​

Belle Morgan

Georgia, USA

About
As a child my mental health was never discussed or considered. The directive to be "strong" left no room to recognize or process my feelings. All around me, I see people struggling to maintain a facade of impenetrable strength. I want to help them find a healthy way to manage the stressors of life.
Social Media
Affirmations
  • Allow yourself to feel what you feel.
  • Don't apologize for speaking your truth.
  • Give yourself permission to allocate time and resources to therapy.

Braidy bancrofT

South Yorkshire, UK

ABOUT
I have always suffered with my mental health and after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder I want to be able to reach out to others who are currently suffering. Mental health is such a taboo subject which needs to be normalised and people need to know it is ok not to be ok! Reaching out and asking for help isn’t a bad thing their are many people in the same boat and together we can help each other through the hard times ​
AFFIRMATIONS
  • It’s ok not to be ok
  • Speak out
  • We are in this together

Takatso Loveness Nyathi

Gauteng, South Africa

ABOUT
As someone who has to deal with anxiety on a daily basis, I feel it's my duty to help others and we figure out ways to make society accept and learn more about mental health. I have recently started an Organization that brings awareness to mental health, @thecommunitymentalwellness on instagram.
Social Media
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You are worthy.
  • God loves you.
  • You are in this world for a purpose.
  • You are loved.
  • You don't have to always have it all figured out.
  • Mistakes are common, learn from them. ​

Nick "JJ" Barba

TEXAS, USA

About
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
Affirmations
  • Its okay to open up and talk about our mental health ​

John Reynolds

Lancashire, UK

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Be kinder to yourself

Halle Rae

Arizona, USA

About
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
Affirmations
  • Just like it’s okay to not be okay, it’s also okay to be okay.
  • It can be scary to let your guard down but it’s not a crime to be happy and you owe it to yourself when that time comes to let yourself be happy.
  • Progress is not linear, and bad days do not start at square one again.
  • People do want to listen and understand, even when it feels like the world is against you.


Danielle Morris ​

Flintshire, Wales

ABOUT
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
  • Mental health matters, speak out, seek help and begin your journey to recovery .
  • It’s ok not to be ok.
  • Mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Your mental health is a priority, your happiness is an essential. Your self care is a necessity.
  • In a world where you can be anything, be kind,ALWAYS.

Ana Hopgood

Florida, USA

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You're here for a reason even if you might not know it yet. ​

Chetna Arora

NoiDa, India

About
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
Affirmations
  • It's okay to not be productive all the time.
  • It's okay to take a break.
  • It's okay to want appreciation for something you worked hard for. It's not attention seeking.

Kevon Brown ​

Connecticut, USA

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • From the outside, Looking In - It’s never what it seems
  • Tomorrow is better when you make it about YOU first.
  • It’s ok to take a trip.

Renata Duga

Budapest, Hungary

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You are needed and loved, even if you can’t always see it!
  • Reach out to somebody, anybody, you are never alone.
  • Life is tough, but so are you.
  • Your story isn’t over yet.
  • Keep taking time for yourself until you’re you again.
  • Your mental illness is not your personal failure.

ABDULGHAN MOHAMMED ZOWANGE

Ontario, Canada

About
​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
Affirmations
  • Everyone is with you.
  • We are in this together.
  • You are not alone.

Rose Falconer

Newcastle, UK

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • I always try to see the beauty in a bad situation
  • Try to accept how you are feeling
  • Except your feeling feel them don’t push them away
  • Try to be kind to yourself

Elvina Pillay

Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Let go of your past and trust yourself with your future.
  • Making someone else's day better instantly makes your day better.
  • Don't aim to be perfect. Aim to be real.

Harrison Whittaker

YorkshirE, UK

About
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
Affirmations
  • Speak out.
  • Don’t let your feelings or thoughts fester.
  • It’s not selfish to put you first, it’s called knowing your worth.
  • Better days are coming, keep being resilient!

Lauren Phillips

South YORKSHIRE, UK

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Let it out— my favourite and name of my blog  
  • There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
  • You’ve got a broken heart, broken dream, not a broken future

GAbrielle Pattinson

pennsylvania, USA

About
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
Affirmations
  • It is ok to not be ok
  • ​Our Possibilities are endless

Kenrie Seymour

Moore’s Islan, BAhamas

About
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
  • Breathe, It’s Ok To Different
  • You Are Loved !
  • You Are Strong !
  • You Are Beautiful & Unique !

NATHAN SMITH

WASHINGTON DC, USA

About
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You are stronger than you think
  • It is OK to have a bad day
  • Setbacks are only temporary
  • There are a lot more people going through what you are experiencing

Kaitlyn Jones

TennESSEE, USA

About
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
TikTok: @kaitnicolejones
AFFIRMATIONS

Aneshia Grey

NEW YORK, USA

ABOUT
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
  • I Am A Voice!
  • Power!
  • The Best is Yet to come!
  • I Got You!

Escape The Ordinary

NEW YORK, USA

ABOUT
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
TikTok: @escapetheordinary94
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Your diagnosis does not define you.
  • It’s okay not to be okay.
  • Oh Darlin’, giving up is not an option
  • Escape the ordinary
​

AZA

Zamboanga del Norte, PhiLIPPINES

About
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • Keep swimming...

Leah Rheana Weeks​

LOUSIANA, USA

About
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
Affirmations
  • It gets better!
  • There is someone who wants you here!
  • Always talk to someone!
​

Namrata

CALIFORNiA, USA

About
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You are stronger thank you think you are. 
  • You are absolutely loved and adored. 
  • Change is beautiful and necessary so embrace the process. You are growing into a masterpiece.
​

Victoria Brammer

Mental Health Advocate for support and Personal Growth

About
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
  • Through gratitude, I can remind myself how colorful and beautiful life is even if I just find one small thing to appreciate. 
  • A strong soul shines after every storm.
  • My goal is always to be a better person today than I was yesterday and take all "failure" as an opportunity to grow.
  • I accept what I cannot control and I will focus my energy on the things I can.
  • I CAN & I WILL

JOSH ROITBERG

Advocate for mental health recovery and spiritual support

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • You are in charge of your life
  • Don't judge yourself if you make mistakes. Learn from them 
  • Surround yourself with people who support you and inspire you.
  • Love yourself. There is nothing wrong with you.
  • Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Sarah Duffy 

MARYLAND, USA

ABOUT
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
AFFIRMATIONS
  • This too shall pass
  • Your feelings are valid
  • Because today, today at least you're you and that's enough

Charles Ituah

Lagos, NIGERIA