#387- The Real Mental Health Crisis No One Is Talking About

This episode felt personal—because it is.In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I sat down with Lauren Carson (Black Girls Smile) and April Walker (Philanthropy for the People), and we got real about what’s actually happening right now—in our work, in our communities, and in our bodies.If I’m honest, it feels like a lot. And I know I’m not the only one.We talked about how the pressure out in the world—politics, funding cuts, constant uncertainty—is showing up in our mental health. Especially for Black women and girls, who are so often expected to just… keep going.And then there’s the funding piece. The promises that didn’t last. The lack of transparency. The constant hustle. It’s exhausting—and it’s impacting how we show up as leaders, as teammates, as humans.One thing that really stuck with me:We talk a lot about resilience as “pushing through,” but not enough about healing. And without healing, what are we actually sustaining?So here’s what I’m taking with me this month:Rest isn’t a reward—it’s necessary (even in small moments between meetings)I don’t have to do everything—just focus on what actually mattersMy inner voice matters—if I’m resting but still beating myself up, that’s not restAnd honestly… sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is just breatheIf there’s one thing I’d invite you to do this month, it’s this:Tell yourself the truth about how you’re actually doing—and give yourself a little more space to be human.We’re all figuring this out. And you don’t have to do it alone.Important Links:Black Girl Smile: https://www.blackgirlssmile.org/Stop Flying Blind: Fix Your Leaky Fundraising System: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/donorjourneyauditwebinar-2026⁠ My Big Ask Gifts Program:⁠ ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program⁠⁠ My Book, Get That Money Honey:⁠ ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey⁠⁠ My Newsletter:⁠ ⁠https://www.rheawong.com/⁠⁠ My Quiz: ⁠https://bit.ly/4vDEBjl