How We Chose the Winners
Finalists were first nominated by our readers (yes, you all!
Now, add a mental health activist to the list.
Its these many accomplishments that moved us to name Henson as one of this years Verywell Mind 25.
Monica Schipper / FilmMagic / Getty Images
However, in addition to making people look good, he also advocates for making them feel mentally well.
We are appreciative that we have been able to find a voice that helps do it in some way.
In 2023, Cole collaborated with Sesame Workshop to raise awareness around childrens emotional well-being.
Anthony Steverson
Each design features a unique message about mental health and the importance of being open and honest about feelings.
By spearheading this operation, Lady Gaga has brought attention and support to this important cause.
Sulaiman’s organization, Black Men Heal, takes a two-pronged approach.
Project Healthy Minds
In these videos, Dr. Julie often utilizes visual metaphors and tools to explain a psychological concept.
She continues to create content that both supports and comforts people on their journey towards better mental health.
Published in 2022, her first book, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Kenneth Cole Productions
It breaks down some of her top strategies for navigating lifes challenges and improving mental health.
Dr. Julie is now actively working on writing her second book.
Mental health is at the beginning and end of everything we do and who we are.
Born This Way Foundation
Osakas continued mental health and racial justice activism stood out to us as especially important work this year.
Thus, theyve become a major voice in the LGBTQ mental health space.
As stated on her website, Weve been told that achieving our own success will make us happy.
Josh Thornton
But happiness comes from helpingother peopleto live happier lives.
We are here to help each other.
Whats unique about Harrisons approach is her signature use of simple geometric data visualizations.
Sarah Brick
These endeavors overlap with the subject matter Alejandra discusses on her popular podcast, Latinx Therapy.
He is perhaps best known as the founder of the groundbreakingThe Confess Project of Americawhich he started in 2016.
By empowering barbers to become mental health advocates, it creates a sustainable outlet for their patrons and community.
Kanya Iwana
Today, her community boasts a following of close to 100K followers on Instagram.
Wang is also the author of Permission to Come Home, which was published in May 2022.
Today, Kohli writes for various media outlets and has a weekly advice column with The Washington Post.
Rick Kern / Stringer / Getty Images
Her book, But What Will People Say?
The intention behind Elles work is to build community and healing practices through literature and language.
Herlatest bookprovides a roadmap for unapologetically creating those healthy boundaries.
Robert Prange / Getty Images
Surgeon General
It increasingly feels like our smartphones are controlling our lives.
Most often, that comes in the form of social mediaespecially for young people.
Vivek Murthyhas used his unique platform as Surgeon General to sound the alarm.
Jeff E Photo
Anderson Cooper
Grief may be the most intensely personal emotion that all of us share.
Coopers podcast,All There Is, was created in the wake of his mothers passing.
Coopers journey is personal, but the message of how show is universal.
Alex Johnston
This issue is finally being given the widespread attention and concern it deserves.
For over 20 years, however, it has beenAlison Malmons lifes work.
NAMI provides educational resources, support groups, helplines, mental health research, and much more.
Gus Mejia
For over two decades, Dr. Ken Duckworth has been a critical part of that mission.
Most recently, he authored You Are Not Alone, the organizations first published book.
ICYMI, check out the winners who took homelast year’s Verywell Mind 25award.
Tony Valdez
Black Men Heal.Mental Illness in the African-American Community.
Shaider Divina
Samuel Hall Media
Sophia Wilson
Leigh Vogel / Stringer / Getty Images
Madison Fender
Alisha Gordon
Office of the U.S. Surgeon General
Active Minds
Amon Alexander
