Taking care of your mental well-being isn’t always easy, especially when you’re juggling a busy life. Between work, family responsibilities, and personal goals, it’s easy to put your own mental health on the back burner. But as Christina Izokovic, the creator of the Why Not Be Authentic™ podcast and mental health advocate, emphasizes, taking care of your mental health should be a priority—not just when things get tough, but every day.
She says, “Creating healthy mental habits and letting go of the bad ones won’t prevent all mental illness, but it can certainly help prevent some. And honestly, talking about how to take better care of yourself shouldn’t be something we shy away from.
It’s like physical strength. Just because someone has a condition like diabetes doesn’t mean they can’t build stronger muscles. The same goes for mental health. Just because you’re dealing with depression or anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t build mental resilience.
Opening up about how to build mental strength isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about giving people the tools to improve their psychological well-being. Sure, it might occasionally offend someone, but in the grand scheme of things, it could save a lot of lives.”
Christina’s journey into mental health advocacy has been nothing short of transformative. From her early career as a registered nurse (RN) working in case management and biotech sales to her later role as a stay-at-home mom, Christina has always been dedicated to helping others. Her personal battles with mental health, particularly childhood trauma, drove her to create a platform where she can share her story and connect with others in similar situations.
After transitioning from a career in Case Management and Biotech Medical Sales, Christina found herself at the forefront of mental health advocacy through her platform, Why Not Be Authentic™. Through TikTok live streams, a growing community, and her podcast Why Not Be Authentic™, launched in February 2023 on Spotify and YouTube with plans to expand to multiple platforms in March 2025, she provides a safe space to share struggles, successes, and personal stories. With a massive community of 100K on Tiktok, 8K on Instagram and 2k subscribers on Youtube in just a few months, she has successfully raised conversations about the universal nature of mental health struggles, showing that mental health does not discriminate based on gender, status, or background.
This is the Foundation for Mental Health
For Christina, regular therapy and psychiatric care are key components of her mental health journey. She recognizes that managing mental health isn’t a “one-and-done” deal—it’s an ongoing process. “Going to my therapist, my psychiatrist, and being compliant with my medication is essential,” she shares.
She says, “Therapy provides a safe space to unpack difficult emotions and gain insight into her mental health challenges. For many, therapy is a cornerstone of mental well-being, offering tools for coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.”
Her openness about her own mental health journey has been instrumental in removing the stigma surrounding mental health care. It’s a message she shares with her community: seeking help and taking medication doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re taking control of your health. If you haven’t already, consider seeking professional support if you’re struggling. Therapy can offer a safe space to process difficult emotions, while medication, when prescribed, can be an important tool for managing mental health.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Small Practices, Big Impact
These two powerful tools work as a backbone for your mental well-being, and Christina integrates these practices into her daily routine. With her busy schedule, it can be easy for stress to creep in, but she makes time to center herself and focus on the present. “Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps me stay grounded,” she says.
Mindfulness allows you to focus on the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or future. It’s about being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation, on the other hand, offers deeper relaxation and improved emotional regulation. Studies have shown that meditation can lower blood pressure, improve focus, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
She shares that even a few minutes of mindfulness during the day can make a noticeable difference in how she handles stress. If you’re new to these practices, start small—just five to ten minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day can help you reset and regain a sense of peace.
Journaling: A Personal Tool for Self-Reflection
For Christina, journaling is a way to release her thoughts and gain clarity. It’s not just about writing down what happened during the day, but about unpacking emotions and processing experiences. “Journaling helps me reflect on my feelings and thoughts,” Christina explains. “It allows me to track my progress and see how far I’ve come.”
Journaling can be a therapeutic tool for many people. It’s a way to declutter your mind and reflect on your emotional state. For Christina, it has helped her articulate her struggles and celebrate her victories. If you’re unsure where to start, Christina recommends simply writing about what’s on your mind. Don’t worry about structure or spelling—just let your emotions flow. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns and gain insights into how you respond to different situations.
Finding Your Tribe: The Importance of Supportive Relationships
Christina emphasizes the importance of finding the right people who truly understand your mental health journey. She’s careful to avoid “trauma bonding”—a concept where individuals connect over shared pain—but instead focuses on building relationships with people who provide genuine support. “Having people in your life who truly understand and are there for you is key,” she shares.
For Christina, her community is made up of people who uplift her and offer support without judgment. If you’re feeling isolated or alone in your struggles, consider reaching out to others. Support groups, whether online or in person, can provide a safe space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. It’s important to surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and make you feel heard.
Currently thriving on TikTok livestreams and her podcast, she is building a vibrant community rooted in authenticity as she sets her sights on embarking on a life coaching journey in the future. She says, “I often tell my followers that the key is to start small and make self-care a priority. Perhaps start with a few minutes of meditation or set aside time to journal your thoughts. As you build these habits, you’ll notice positive changes in how you handle life’s stresses.”
Recent Comments