The holidays are often portrayed as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many people, this season can feel heavy—marked by stress, grief, loneliness, or even exhaustion. If someone you care about is struggling during the holidays, you might wonder what to say or how to help.…
Halloween is a time for imaginative costumes, haunted houses, and all things spooky. But it also brings an opportunity to address some of the ways that certain portrayals—particularly around mental health—can perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination. As we celebrate the eerie and unknown, it’s worth examining the imagery and language we use and considering how Halloween…
Exclusively written for flawlessfoundation.orgby Janae Bromley For many, yoga is a calming, low-impact physical activity that helps them keep fit. At the same time, yoga’s spiritual and psychological aspects make the practice impactful for mental wellness. Based on a 2023 Frontiers in Psychology study, years of research indicate yoga’s psychological benefits, including an increase in overall…
By: Dalgis Mosqueda I awaited the Hope in Harlem Conference with anticipation and excitement, and I am happy to say that the conference not only met but surpassed my expectations. The Hope in Harlem conference took place on September 14, 2024. Keynotes on mental health initiatives in Harlem and beyond, youth wellness, community building, and…
By John Caruso, Flawless Fellow When I first joined Flawless, I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. From day one, it has been an amazing and influential learning process that has shaped my skills, perspective, and sense of community in ways I never anticipated. One of the most significant projects I’ve worked…
Friday morning, after I dropped my son off at school, I had a phone meeting with one of my favorite colleagues, mental health advocate Gina Nikkel of the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care. Suddenly, there was a loud crash; I abruptly ended the call. A car had rear-ended me. I was okay, and…
“I am strong, I am bold… my own power, I can hold.” — Bent on Learning Student Mantra In keeping with our series inspired by the Kennedy Forum’s Mental Health State of the Union, this week we focus on prevention. Recently, we attended a gala to benefit Bent on Learning, a nonprofit that brings yoga…
“Forget your perfect offering — there’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen, “Anthem” It is officially Spring and we’re coming up on the holidays of Easter and Passover — a season of hope, renewal, and light. One thing I find very interesting about the symbolism of both of…
This is the first blog in our newest series as we count down to the darkest day of the year: the winter solstice. Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring some of the brightest lights of hope in our community — the true shooting stars in our field. As we welcome the season…
Tonight, in celebration of the upcoming Halloween holiday, ABC will re-air a Modern Family episode, called “AwesomeLand.” This episode, which was shown for the first time last year, is anything but awesome — as the cast takes part in the creation of an “insane asylum”–themed haunted house filled with horribly offensive depictions of individuals with…