Ashley Laderer is a writer and mental health advocate from New York. She decided to specialize in mental health after realizing she could help others who also struggle from anxiety and depression feel less alone. Her writing has appeared in Teen Vogue, SELF magazine, Billboard, Refinery29, NYLON, and more. 

ASHLEY: 

You can read her work at clippings.me/ashleyladerer

Instagram and Twitter at @ashley_unicorn

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Irene spent 8 years pursuing an academic career in Speech and Hearing Sciences, an endeavor that eventually led to a mental health crisis. She is now working as a scientific writer outside of academia and is passionate about helping others transition to industry careers. She is a trained cardio dance instructor and an advocate for integrating mindful movement into a self-care routine. She has presented at NAMI’s Ending the Silence Program, encouraging kids to be mindful about and flexible in their career goals. In her spare time, she loves to cook, read, and hang out with her 2 rescue cats, JuJu and Bolt.

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Mary Keleher was born and raised in Manchester, NH. Mary holds a degree in dance from Dean College and is the current titleholder for the Miss Berlin-Gorham Scholarship Program, a preliminary competition through the Miss New Hampshire and Miss America Scholarship Programs. She chose "Understanding ADHD" for her Social Impact Initiative as the current Miss Berlin-Gorham because of the lack of understanding people have of the disorder. Mary has a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type and was not diagnosed until she was 18 years old. It is her belief that she didn’t receive a diagnosis until she was an adult because she didn’t fit the hyperactive stereotype, and because she had OCD and anxiety as a child that masked a lot of her symptoms. When Mary finally received a diagnosis of ADHD, she had a hard time believing that it was “just ADHD.” She thought that she had to have additional learning or neurological disorders because of the amount of impairment she felt, and that is when she realized that ADHD is a lot bigger deal than society makes it out to be. The goal of her platform is to help people understand what ADHD is and that it is not made up.

Mary's Socials: 

Instagram: @missberlingorham_2021 & @_mary__margaret__

Facebook: Miss Berlin-Gorham & Miss Berlin-Gorham’s Outstanding Teen

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Nicole Steinhagen grew up in South Portland, Maine and is currently a Sophomore at Southern Maine Community College studying business. Nicole has also been studying Martial Arts for 18 years, holds a black belt and has 4 world championship titles. She is also the current Miss Greater Portland and gearing up for Miss Maine in June of this year! After losing her grandfather 5 years ago to suicide, she feels it is more important than ever to end the silence and help others speak up around the topic of suicide.

In the wake of her grandfathers suicide, Nicole had a rough few years, both physically and mentally. She ended up losing about 15 pounds that she didn't have to begin with. She would barely have a meal during the day because she was consistently busy and wouldn't remember to eat. She also distanced herself from anything and everything that would remind her of her grandpa.

A few years ago, Nicole found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Up until then she had never known that suicide was preventable and mental health was more than depression and anxiety. In Maine, schools do not talk about suicide and mental health but with AFSP she is working to let everyone know that it's okay to not be okay and there's resources out there for everyone to access!

NICOLE'S SOCIALS:

Instagram: @missgreaterportland2021 & @Nicole.Steinhagen

She also manages AFSP Maine's Instagram & Facebook: 

Instagram: @AFSPMaine 

www.facebook.com/AFSPMaine

AFSP NATIONAL: 

Instagram: @AFSPnational 

www.facebook.com/AFSPNational 

www.AFSP.org

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Alexa Rhodes is currently a 17-year-old high school junior at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. She is extremely passionate about elementary education, Philadelphia sports, and giving back to her community. In January of 2020, she started H.E.L.P.I.N.G. The Homeless Backpacks in a business class at her school because she wanted to bring a level of comfort and security to those living on the streets. Since then, she has watched her organization flourish and has donated 150 backpacks filled with essential items. She has partnered with major companies such as Bombas and Alphabroder, she won the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, and she was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer! Within the next few months, she plans on donating over 150 backpacks to multiple shelters in the Philadelphia area!

You can find out more information about Alexa and her organization and how you can get involved at https://www.helpingthehomelessbackpacks.com/ or @helpingthehomelessbackpacks on Instagram!

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Carolyn Rossiter was born and raised in New York. She loves writing, hiking, and spending time with friends. Carolyn works as an eating disorder and an LGBTQ+ advocate educating people through her stories of her lived experience.

In her brutally honest memoir, Diet Pills And Broken Dreams - Stories I Could Not Tell, which is made up of pieces from her journals, Carolyn describes the battle that engulfed her mind and body. Self-loathing and reckless behaviors that continued on through her teenage years through her early thirties.

Where can you find Carolyn? 

She has a YouTube channel where she shares stories about mental health eating disorders and her relationship: https://youtube.com/c/CarrieRbreathe

She also helps her wife with her business. A mental health clothing line to raise awareness and end stigma. 

You can find it on Instagram:  @schizophrenic.nyc 

Carolyn on Instagram: @breathepositivity_

Website: http://www.breathepositivity.com/

Carolyn's Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Diet-Pills-Broken-Dreams-Stories-ebook/dp/B0883CTSQZ/ref=nodl_

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Today we dive into co-host, Becca Lane's personal story and how she came to be passionate about mental health education, advocacy and support! Becca answers a few questions for us to give an idea of who she is... 

Becca's Role at NAMI Philly: Young Adult Education Specialist

What is your relationship to mental health? I live with mental health conditions such as Bipolar II disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and am a grateful recovering alcoholic and addict. I am an active participant in my recovery and dedicate my time using my own experience to help others. I run our teen mental health awareness education program, Ending the Silence, which involves going out to local schools and youth programs to talk about my own personal recovery journey as well as educate the teens about identifying warning signs and how to find help for themselves and their friends. I struggled severely with my mental illness during my teen years, so it’s incredibly rewarding for me to show teens that help is available and that they are not alone.

What is your most effective coping skill? Meditation and reaching out to my support system.

What does recovery mean to you? I view recovery as each step I take away from a point of crisis and towards a life full of hope and happiness.

Best way to start my day: A large cup of french vanilla coffee, a hot shower and a guided meditation with positive affirmations.

What three words best describe you? Resilient. Compassionate. Warrior.

Other than mental health, what is a subject you are passionate about? Game of Thrones.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? This is a trick question. I don’t discriminate.

BECCA'S SOCIALS: 

Personal Instagram: @BeccaLane

Facebook: Becca Lane

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR): 24 Hour Hotline 215.985.3333

In today's episode, we welcome back Morgan Hannaleck to join us for a conversation surrounding mental health advocacy where we delves into many areas including police reform, the new 3 digit suicide prevention/mental health crisis line, mental health court, the power of storytelling and more! 

Morgan is a 24-year-old motivational speaker, author, mental health counselor and advocate currently residing in San Diego. She also uses her amazing social media platform to educate, inspire and raise awareness. We're so happy to have her back to talk with us about this important subject matter!

You can find MORGAN on Instagram: @morganhannaleck

Her book: Somber Suffocation

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

National Eating Disorder Association Help Line (CALL OR TEXT) (800) 931-2237 You can call our confidential Helpline Monday-Thursday from 11am to 9pm ET, and Friday from 11am to 5pm ET. You can also chat with our Helpline! Helpline chat hours are Monday-Thursday from 9am to 9pm ET, and Friday from 9am to 5pm ET.

Kayla Myers is a health and fitness enthusiast who encourages others to #ChooseHealth through her social impact initiative in the Miss America Organization. Kayla uses her title as Miss Lancaster County to promote a healthy lifestyle backed by her education from Temple University as an Exercise and Sport Science major with nutrition and psychology minors. It is her mission to not only prevent chronic diseases through living a healthy lifestyle, but to also improve the quality of life for others. Health and fitness have transformed her life and have essentially served as a form of "medicine" for her mental illnesses. Through exercise and developing a healthy lifestyle, Kayla has learned to flourish despite struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, abusive relationships, and other adversity. Kayla would like to share her story as inspiration and encouragement to others who also wish to flourish despite the challenges and adversity they have encountered in their life. 

KAYLA'S SOCIALS: 

Instagram: misslancastercounty_2020 & kayla_myers21 & kaylamyersfitness 

Facebook: Miss Lancaster County 2020 https://www.facebook.com/misslancastercounty2020 

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Adonis Rosario is a First generation born Dominican American with a passion for promoting positivity and encouragement. His drive for mental health awareness came after experiencing tremendous amounts of hardships and setbacks during his college years. Adonis later started a mental health organization called We Are Relentless (WAR) in 2019 in hopes to bring awareness to minority mental health and provide the resources that he wished were available to him while growing up. Adonis, being an aspiring model, wants to use his growing platform to raise more awareness for mental health, as well as overall wellbeing from the mind to the spirit. From being an entrepreneur to being a mental health advocate, Adonis shows his passion for helping others become the best version of themselves in all aspects of his life.

ADONIS Socials (Instagram):

Personal: @adonisrafaelrose

Business(s): @warmovement & @rosewaterjuicery

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.