By: Azhar H
The subject of mental health has garnered significant attention for its growing importance in overall wellbeing. Around the world, mental health struggles are increasingly recognized, with more than 23% of the U.S. adult population experiencing mental health challenges. This statistic, which is reflected in many other nations, underscores the importance of cultivating mental strength.
Mental strength, perseverance, and the desire to heal have been shown to play a significant role in coping with stress and other mental health obstacles.
Christina launched her podcast to provide a platform where people can feel understood. She invites individuals from all walks of life to share their healing journeys, helping listeners realize they are not alone. The aim is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and encourage a healthier path toward healing. Topics such as men’s mental health, women’s mental health, celebrity mental health struggles, overcoming grief, abandonment, mental health issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, high-profile murder cases, and the impacts on family members, such as the Idaho 4 case, are frequently discussed.
Today, Christina’s platform, Why Not Be Authentic, has gained substantial attention, with over 100,000 followers on TikTok, more than 1,300 subscribers on YouTube, and over 7,000 followers on Instagram. The journey has been both enlightening and rewarding, offering Christina and her followers valuable knowledge and shared experiences. Her podcast, available on YouTube and Spotify, has become a supportive space for open and honest conversations about mental health.
Vulnerability is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Too often, people hesitate to discuss their low points because they fear appearing weak or “out of control.” Instead, many bottle up their feelings, only to experience negative consequences later. However, vulnerability is increasingly recognized as an important component of developing genuine mental strength. It requires courage to acknowledge personal struggles, identify underlying causes with expert help, and talk openly about them.
Acknowledging and sharing one’s vulnerability is a sign of strength because it reflects a desire to heal and a commitment to authenticity.
These connections form support systems that provide strength in difficult times. However, it is also crucial to recognize and distance oneself from toxic individuals or environments that no longer foster happiness, understanding, or personal growth.
Understanding that strength originates from within is essential. Experts suggest that discussing mental health with others can help improve self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote early intervention. A 2023 study published in Communication Research indicates that even having a single conversation with friends each day can contribute positively to mental health and resilience.
“I can personally attest to the benefits of sharing my mental health journey,” Christina shares. “Talking about my experiences has been crucial to my healing, and it continues to help me move forward. Healing isn’t linear—there are both good days and challenging days, but what matters is experiencing those moments fully, processing the pain, and continuing to grow.”
Beyond talking to therapists and psychiatrists, Christina has cultivated an open culture through her TikTok livestreams, “Why Not Be Authentic.”
“I discuss everything with my community—being a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt—everything is shared openly. Talking about joy, anger, sadness, grief, ADHD moments, and family life helps me heal, and it also provides others with a sense of connection. This open approach not only supports my journey but also encourages others to share their stories, fostering a collective movement to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles,” she says.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Through Vulnerability
The stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many from discussing their struggles. By sharing their experiences, Christina believes, we can collectively break down the barriers and offer strength to one another through community support. This platform has not only empowered Christina but also others, providing a space for people to share and heal together.
Now an LLC and trademarked, Why Not Be Authentic fosters a community that supports individuals dealing with mental health issues. “Through real and raw conversations, my goal is to help each other heal, step by step, day by day, while contributing to the collective effort to stop the stigma associated with mental health,” Christina says.
Christina exemplifies the strength found in vulnerability. After a 15-year career as a registered nurse, she became a six-figure employee at a Fortune 500 company before transitioning to a full-time mom and podcaster. Reflecting on her journey, she credits her life experiences—prior to her professional career—with helping her develop the resilience she now shares with others. By being open about those difficult times and memories, she has been able to find strength and has become a beacon of hope for many.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. For mental health support or guidance, please consult a qualified mental health professional.
