For years, Michael VanZetta thrived in the high-stakes environment of television broadcasting as a newscast director. His role demanded split-second decisions, calling camera shots and orchestrating the fast-paced flow of live television. Each broadcast was a test of precision and composure. When everything went smoothly, it felt like winning the Super Bowl—an electrifying high. But even small mistakes, unnoticed by most, would haunt him, leaving him to replay the moments long after the show ended. What he didn’t realize then was how the adrenaline and structure of his job masked deeper struggles with his mental health.

Meet Kristy Towson, founder of Inner Strength Writing Solutions and author of Speak Up Against Stigma. Kristy shares her powerful mental health journey, from experiencing severe depression and a life-altering traumatic event to finding hope, healing, and purpose. After hitting rock bottom, Kristy discovered the transformative power of storytelling and now dedicates her life to helping others navigate their mental health challenges. Her book, written alongside 11 other women from around the world, sheds light on personal struggles, reducing stigma, and offering hope to those who feel alone.

Erin Harris, founder and executive director of Un/Do Mindset, has turned her personal journey with trauma, including surviving a school shooting and navigating the challenges of mental health treatment, into a mission to bring trauma-responsive tools and skills to communities worldwide. Drawing on her experiences as an educator and insights from her time in mental health facilities, Erin established Un/Do Mindset to address the pervasive mental health crisis and make these vital resources accessible to all. “Mental health is at the core of all of our human struggles,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of equipping individuals—particularly children—with the tools to navigate trauma and build resilience.

In this insightful interview, we sit down with Rosa Guixens, Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and Troy Anderson, Executive Director of Officer Safety and Wellness, to discuss the critical findings from the 2024 Fatalities Report and the innovative programs making a difference for law enforcement officers nationwide.

Antwanette Weaver is the Executive Director and co-founder of A Bold Story Never Ends, an organization inspired by the loss of her son, Cameron, to suicide in 2020. As a licensed therapist and a grieving mother, Weaver channels her pain into purpose by advocating for mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support to families facing similar struggles. The organization, founded with her daughter and sister, began with a scholarship initiative for high school students overcoming challenges and has since expanded to community events, resource provision, and outreach programs. By sharing her personal journey and Cameron’s story, Weaver seeks to foster open conversations about mental health and provide tangible resources to those in need.

Mike Kogan, a psychologist with over a decade of dedication to mental health, describes his journey into the field as a discovery of his true calling. Initially engaged in various careers, from sales to IT, he always found himself gravitating toward people, listening to their challenges, and offering support. More than ten years ago, he decided to formally pursue psychology, earning multiple degrees and dedicating himself entirely to the profession. Kogan emphasizes that his work not only enables him to help others but also provides a sense of personal fulfillment and purpose. His approach is rooted in compassion, connection, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of positivity. He candidly shares that the process of helping others often serves as a form of self-healing, highlighting the symbiotic nature of his work.

Andrew Ackerland, BS is the Protocol office supervisor at the GMU Center for Community Mental Health.

Craig Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of Raise Health, shares his inspiring journey and the mission behind his groundbreaking organization. Combining personal lived experiences with a deep background in technology, Craig discusses how Raise Health focuses on early detection of mental health needs and automates connections to the right resources in real time. He highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges early, emphasizing how timely support can transform lives and set individuals on a path to well-being.

Bruce Simpson, a 74-year-old attorney from Lexington, Kentucky, shares a powerful and deeply personal journey through decades of untreated mental health struggles and his eventual path to healing. Having long denied his mental health needs out of fear of stigma and perceived weakness, Bruce masked his pain, even as it intensified through his legal career. The cultural and personal biases he internalized kept him silent, leading to a life fraught with hidden struggles, including a meticulously planned suicide attempt. However, a sequence of events, including an intervention by law enforcement and his subsequent stay at Eastern State Hospital, ultimately saved his life. Bruce describes this turning point as transformative, allowing him to begin therapy and embrace medication, which has drastically improved his quality of life and cognitive clarity.

Dr. Brianna Hernandez is a Post Doctoral Fellow at the GMU Center for Community Mental Health