World Mental Health Day



By Susan Hornik

Today is World Mental Health Day and stars like Lady Gaga and Lin-Manuel Miranda have already spoken out about the importance of spreading awareness about mental health. The Los Angeles Times reported this year that homelessness increased in LA County by 20 percent, and that most of those people suffer from mental illness. Hollywood is just one of the many places around the world where mental health needs to be addressed.

It is especially important for beauty brand, Philosophy to acknowledge World Mental Health Day, as the company would love to help spread the word of their initiatives. More than 450 million people worldwide suffer from mild to serious mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem and financial stress - all of which disproportionately affect women around the world. Recognizing that mental health issues are one of the greatest challenges women face, Philosophy created the Hope & Grace initiative, which pledges an unending commitment to support mental health and well-being. Previously, celebrity ambassadors such as Ellen Pompeo and Zelda Williams -- Robin Williams' daughter -- have endorsed the program.

Through inspired action, Philosophy encourages the practice of self-care, not only in soothing and replenishing the skin, but the mind and soul as well. The company would love for Discover Hollywood readers to take the time out of your day on World Mental Health Day with us to restore your mind with these tips from Gabrielle Bernstein, best-selling author, meditation expert and speaker.

Begin each day positively.

Think of yourself as a lighthouse: It's OK to feel your feelings, good or bad (in fact, it's much better than disassociating from them), but use the lighthouse idea to rise above the trauma in your life and allow it to flow freely around you.

Move.

The human body needs to move, and movement is imperative for the lymphatic system to work properly and to oxygenate your cells. Bounce, jump, dance, or do whatever it takes to move the tension out of your body and get your blood flowing.

Recently, Philosophy and the Hope & Grace initiative for women's mental health hosted a discussion focused on reframing well being as a key to resilience and change. Monica Seles, 9-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion; former World No. 1; Wellness expert Stephanie Covington, PhD., Co-Director of the Center for Gender & Justice; Kavita Beri, MD, Fellow, Regenerative Cosmetics at TRI Princeton; and Marie-Pierre Stark-Flora, Global SVP, philosophy at Coty, Inc. spoke at the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Paris, France.The panel discussed ways to amplify the conversation around women's mental health.

Philosophy becomes the first company to place a deep focus on this important cause and the first major beauty company to make a brand-wide commitment to dedicate one percent of its sales toward the cause. In addition, they will award multiple financial grants each year to local organizations working to empower women through promotion of mental health and well-being, and the prevention and treatment of related issues.

The majority of funding from the Hope & Grace initiative will support community-based programs doing the most good in mental health and well-being.The funds will be distributed by an independent nonprofit organization, with guidance from the world's leading practitioners and experts in mental health and well-being. With an average grant size of $25,000-$75,000, the fund will support hundreds of organizations each year and touch thousands of lives.

The priority focus for the Hope & Grace fund is to support community based mental health efforts working to overcome barriers to and stigma around seeking treatment for mental health issues, providing access to mental health treatment and fostering support networks for women with mental illness.

The funds are administered by the new venture fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting innovative and effective public interest projects. They accept one proposal per group, per fiscal year (Jul 1-Jun 31). you must be a registered 501(c) public charity to apply.

To apply, please contact hopeandgracefund@newventurefund.org.

Posted By Discover Hollywood on October 10, 2017 01:37 pm | Permalink