On August 23, 2017, my life forever changed. I moved out of my parent’s house, and to a new state by myself. I faced some of the darkest days of my life as my perspective grew tenfold, I began to experience anxiety and depression. I experienced a sense of personal shame for my struggles and had to go through the recovery process alone. I learned the value of having someone love and support you, rather than seeing you as weak or overemotional.

While struggling, I was called weak, worthless, overdramatic, and told that everyone would be better off if I was not around at all. In those moments, I believed them, due to the negative stigma in our society. I knew one thing for sure though, I did not want anyone to feel the way I did. 
I instantly started creating my new social impact initiative “Living #StigmaFree: Mental Health Awareness”. I came back to the Miss America Organization, because I knew it would be a way to reach more individuals, have a voice, and make a difference. I wanted to get rid of the negative stigma in society, and make a real lasting change. Every moment since then has been about this: serving, loving, empowering, and making a difference. 
Something crazy happened though, the more I crafted my social impact, the more happy and excited I felt. The more I served, the more confident I felt. Lastly, the more I changed other individual lives, the more I healed. 

#StigmaFree: Building Positive Awareness: I am an advocate for mental health through my social media campaign initiative #StigmaFree and #mentalhealthmondays it has given me a voice to share mine and others powerful stories of victory to overcome mental illness. The hardest part of battling a mental illness is the feeling of hopelessness, feeling that your emotions are invalid, and being viewed differently by your peers. The shame to speak up can be the most damaging matter for an individual’s health. I share my personal story, as well as coping strategies and warning signs through social media. I have invited and encourage individuals to post their own stories and create a safe environment for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing a similar fight. My social media campaigns have also led to numerous opportunities. I have been a guest blogger on mental health blogs across the world, interviewed for the book Early Homecoming, and a social media ambassador for Stay Wear Clothing and Of Mindful Manner Clothing. Social Media also gave me a platform to sell my own line of “Living #StigmaFree” Merchandise, raising $500 for mental health services. It is vital to dispel myths to become stigma-free. Every condition is different; there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I speak out for change to break stigmas.

Creating Action to Initiate Change: When it comes to mental health, awareness is not enough, we must convert awareness into action. I started my efforts in October of 2017 attending NAMI’s the National Alliance for Mental Illness State Conference. One year later in October of 2018 I was honored to speak as a “Fighting Stigma” discussion panelist. I am a mental health public speaker, presenting at Utah universities, and state mental health conferences. I started the UV-You Matter mental health club at Utah Valley University, partnering with NAMI. I have been trained through the organization to become a peer teacher for youth. I teamed up with The Starry-Eyed dance company and UVU Mental Health Club for a dance film benefit, raising over $2,000 with all proceeds donated to NAMI. I was honored to be interviewed by the UVU Review and have an article written on the event. I am a Utah Field Advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which involves participating in events, fundraisers, and advocating for mental health legislation. Most importantly, on August 14, 2018, mental health history was made. I was blessed to be able to attend a reception on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake in honor of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline Improvement Act being passed to have a three-digit suicide hotline number.

The Miss America Organization helped me put my life back together. This is what the organization is about, empowering women to empower the world. I am proud to be a part of Miss America 2.0.