My interview with Cal Poly psychology student Skyler Lopes discussed her passion for mental health advocacy. Her life growing up in isolation caused her to experience depressive episodes and anxiety at a young age. Through her first year and a half at college, she has grown up and decided to take her life into her own hands. Lopes works at a care home in Arroyo Grande and spends her free time advocating for mental health and self care. She plans on graduating in 2022 and joining her family’s practice. She also plans on writing a book about her life, homeschooling experience, and her relationship with her parents. Her message to my readers is, “Never be afraid to ask for help. People will more often than not be willing to help, and if they are not, they aren’t meant to be in your life.”

https://youtu.be/45qKMr07Ibc

Watch my interview with Skyler above, and hear what she has to say about mental health and self care.

Mental health is a topic that has been a controversial topic for many years, yet new generations are creating the conversation about a healthy mind and the importance of talking about how we feel. I sat down with the Mental Health Chair of Cal Poly’s Chi Omega sorority, Natali Markowitz. We discussed the value of mental health and why she took initiative and created her position in her organization in order to encourage mental health in college students, specifically for her, women.

Natali shows a great deal of empowerment in her actions towards creating a safe space in her Greek community regarding mental health and is actively working towards a more openminded campus. She ended the interview with an encouraging note for anyone who is struggling with their mental health and was so pleasant to spend time with.

For my fellow college students, specifically in SLO, here are some resources for you or anyone in your life who may be going through a difficult time. Take care of yourselves and one another !

• Transitions Mental Health Association : https://www.t-mha.org/
• NAMI SLO County: https://www.namislo.org/
• Hotline for Emotional Distress and Suicide Prevention: 1(800)273-8255

As an 18-year-old in today’s society, I have yet to decide whether I am lucky that there is more discussion and open mindedness about mental health than ever before, or if I am incredibly misfortunate that my generation has grown up on social media. Thankfully, the stigma around mental health has lessened over the years, but is far from extinct. Looking past the toxic aspects of social media, we can acknowledge that it is a powerful tool and when used for good, can make a huge step in the right direction.

"Just because you don't understand it, doesn't mean it isn't so." 
- Lemony Snicket, The Blank Book

People have made mental health advocacy their full-time career or have devoted their spare time to the cause. In recent years, articles have revealed celebrities with all different platforms who have opened up about their mental health. In an Insider Magazine article, Chrissy Teigen opened up about her challenges with postpartum depression, Dwayne Johnson explained his depression after injuries during his first year away at college, and Demi Lovato discusses her battles with a variety of mental disorders. These celebrities have used their platforms to create a positive impact on mental health awareness.

Insider Magazine Article: https://www.insider.com/celebrities-depression-anxiety-mental-health-awareness-2017-11

When people who are respected and in the spotlight, change is much more feasible. However, some people have committed their lives to making social media a better place and creating a safe space for mental health discussion. Two women who have impacted the internet recently are Sadie Robertson and Lilly Ann. Sadie Robertson is well-known for her family’s reality television show “Duck Dynasty.” However, as Robertson grew up, she became a prominent figure in the Christian youth community, speaking at events and being a role model to so many young people of Christian faith. Lilly Ann has built her brand on brilliant colors and positive affirmations. Her instagram has over 62 thousand followers whose days are brightened by her bubbly personality and colorful feed. The aspect that makes these two young women so impactful are their raw and personal struggles. Both of them are genuine online and have each opened up about the challenges they face daily, despite their social presence or success.

Following the advice of so many before us to “look at the bright side”, social media has the ability to unite so many people on one platform and promote more mental health awareness. As we go forth, let us be quicker to spread positivity, slow to react, and open to more raw conversations. Check on those around you, be mindful, and look after yourself always.

There is absolutely NO rulebook to mental health. A mental health day for one person may involve going to the gym, drinking a good cup of coffee, putting on a cute outfit, staying in leggings all day, or reading you favorite blogs ;). Although a “me-day” looks different for everyone, I encourage you to take care of one another, and most importantly, take care of yourself, and find inspiration in all things.