4 Mental Health Advocates To Encourage You Along Your Wellness Journey

Making the decision to take your mental health seriously is a courageous one. In the age of social media, it can feel daunting to find the brighter sides to much of the heavy and often negative content we consume on the platforms.

Here are four mental health advocates who can be a source of inspiration, no matter where you are in your mental wellness journey.

Tricia Hersey/ The Nap Ministry

Tricia Hersey—better known as the Nap Bishop—founded the Nap Ministry as a way to introduce the concept of rest as a form of resistance. As Black folks, it can be greatly taxing to strive to show up in a world that seeks to drain your energies and dehumanize your existence. Through her platform, Hersey shares encouraging reminders to build rest into our every day and question the motivations one may have for engaging in "hustle culture".

Nate Cottman

As a "masculine vulnerability pioneer," Nate Cottman facilitates communal dialogue around reframing perspectives of manhood in order to create a more healthy society. His work involves creating true safe spaces for Black men and demystifyingf the aspect of seeking therapy.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

Dr. Joy created her beloved platform Therapy for Black Girls to promote the importance of mental wellbeing for Black women and girls. As a therapist, she repositions topics related to mental wellness in an accessible manner that can be digested with ease.

Rwenshaun Miller

Rwenshaun Miller is a mental health change agent, who diagnosed with bipolar disorder, uses his lived experiences to further the acceptance of mental wellness in the Black community and beyond. His nonprofit Eustress Inc. helps break the stigma.