Depression is a very real situation, and we all need a safe space where we can go, speak honestly about what we may be going through, and get the healing and coping tools we deserve. Young people, including young women, are finding themselves in need of support, direction, and guidance. Having access to these tools can be the difference between living and just existing … and there is a difference. 

“If you look at the wellness space as a whole, how many wellness spaces or communities can you name for men?” (Elyse), 4:28

My guest today is Elyse Fox, a woman blessed with many talents. From directing to activism to being a recognized tastemaker, to say her plate is full would truly be an understatement; it’s running over! Elyse is also the Founder of Sad Girls Club: an online platform and real-life platform designed to help young women facing mental illnesses. It’s an amazing undertaking and one that helps those suffering throughout the world find the support they so desperately desire. Today, we get deep with Elyse on a number of different topics as she shares her amazing journey. 

“Delivery is really key too; especially in the moment.” – (Elyse), 12:59

It’s a challenging world out there, but Elyse wants young women who are struggling with mental health issues to know that they don’t have to go it alone. If you’re a young woman traveling this road or you know one who is, this is an episode that has to be experienced. The conversation is equal parts broad and informative and guaranteed to give listeners the push they need to move toward the healing they deserve! Don’t miss out on this life-enhancing discussion!

“When people see numbers/statistics on mental health it’s easy for them to digest.” – (Elyse), 38:29

In this episode:

• (1:45) – The importance of branding and fonts on her website.

• (3:10) – Comedy and mental health go hand in hand.

• (3:33) – Danny tells of his therapist and the volume of comedians she treats.

• (4:09) – Danny explains why he started the show.

• (4:27) – Gender wellness states are compared. 

• (4:48) – Elyse shares her views on men and mental health.

• (5:49) – Men and the lack of true support systems. 

• (6:11) – Elyse relays the myth that men can’t cry.

• (7:04) – Danny discusses the danger of self-diagnosis.

• (7:14) – The fad of mental health being sexy. 

• (7:55) – The troublesome reality is that mental health is viewed as trendy.

• (8:54) – Danny discusses the pain of hearing a friend disclose their depression. 

• (9:47) – Elyse says acting with depression is a must. 

• (10:40) – Sometimes it’s about being listened to, not solving the problem. 

• (11:10) – Danny speaks about how he handles problems his wife brings to him. 

• (12:20) – Knowing how to address a woman when she’s being challenged matters. 

• (13:04) – Delivery makes all the difference according to Elyse.

• (14:40) – Elyse opens up and says motherhood was scary. 

• (18:00) – Motherhood was not the plan, but she wouldn’t change a thing. 

• (18:44) – Postpartum depression on top of her depression for Elyse. 

• (19:35) – Therapy was her saving grace.

• (20:29) – Danny moves the conversation to Conversations With Friends.

• (23:15) – The impact of feedback on her film is discussed.

• (24:20) – Elyse discusses how she handles her son when he’s having a moment.

• (25:40) – Elyse teaches her son to communicate anxiety and express his feelings. 

• (26:15) – The ‘being black in America' conversation Elyse will have with her son. 

• (28:31) – Danny and Elyse discuss her abusive past relationships.

• (29:02) – When Elyse knew she was tired of being in abusive relationships. 

• (31:03) – Danny discloses why men stay in bad relationships.

• (31:31) – Sad Girls Club isn’t just for females. 

• (33:41) – The difference being in nature can make on your mental state. 

• (36:25) – The importance of having resources on the Sad Girls website. 

• (37:17) – The candles on the website and Elyse discusses her favorite. 

• (39:31) – Relationship advice from Elyse. 

• (40:41) – The power of “I” statements.

• (40:50) – The value of friends who can check in on you. 

• (45:31) – Mental health wasn’t discussed when Elyse was a child. 

Our Guest 

Elyse Fox is a director, activist, and tastemaker living in New York City. She’s been featured in a number of publications including Vogue Magazine, Forbes, and Broadly to name a few. Through her efforts to create access and community within the mental health world, Elyse has partnered with Nike, Harvard University, The U.S. Intelligence Community, Instagram, and many more. Her mission is to connect communities, spread awareness, and provide access to resources through vulnerability, gathering, and storytelling.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

• https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 

• https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 

• https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 

• https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

• https://www.tiktok.com/@1and1otc

Elyse Fox

• https://sadgirlsclub.org/

• https://www.instagram.com/elyse.fox/?hl=en

• https://www.facebook.com/elysefoxnyc/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysefox