Building Mental Strength with Christina Izokovic: The Role of Vulnerability in Healing and Growth
The subject of Mental health has garnered tremendous attention for its rising importance when dealing with human wellbeing. Across the globe, the predominance of mental health struggles is well documented. In fact, more than 23% of all US adult population lives with mental health struggles. This alarming statistic, which also reflects what is obtainable in other nations, makes it important for individuals to imbibe mental strength.
Mental strength, perseverance, and the desire to feel better and heal, have been identified as potent coping mechanisms against stress and other mental health obstacles.
Christina launched her podcast to serve as a platform where people find they are not alone. To have people on her podcast from all walks of life that can relate to other people out there in similar situations, share their healing journey in hopes to A) stop the stigma associated with mental struggles, but also to know they aren’t alone and there are ways to heal and move forward in a healthy manner. Topics such as Men’s mental health, women’s mental health, celebrities’ mental health, overcoming grief, abandonment, mental health struggles in the LGTBQIA+ community, high profile murder cases and the impact that has had on family members, such as the ‘Idaho 4’ and more.’
Today, her platform, “Why Not Be Authentic” has garnered more than 100,000 followers on TikTok, over 1,300 subscribers on YouTube, and over 7,000 followers on IG. The journey, for her and her followers, has been rewarding and enlightening, opening her up to practical knowledge and experience. Her podcast on YouTube and Spotify is now a haven; a safe space for open, honest conversations about mental health.
Vulnerability is not weakness
Too often, there is an unwillingness by many to be honest about their low points because they do not want to appear weak or “not put together”. So, they bottle up their feelings and pains until it all explodes in their faces. “On the contrary, Vulnerability is an important ingredient in developing real mental strength. It takes great courage to acknowledge that something is wrong, identify what it is, with help from experts, and be willing to talk about it.
That is great strength, because honesty and the willingness to be vulnerable and open, comes from a strong character and the desire to heal and be happy.’
Also add at the end “These relationships then form your support system that offers strength no matter what you face. However, it is essential to thread out the toxicity and the people in your life that do tear you down and no longer bring you joy, happiness, or understanding.”
Understanding that strength is built first from within is also important and experts believe that talking about one’s mental health with others can help improve self-esteem, reduce feelings of one being alone or isolated, and ensure early intervention. “There’s a 2023 study published by Communication Research which shows that having just one conversation with friends each day can support mental strength and health.
“I know this for a fact because talking about my own mental health journey has helped me a great deal and continues to help me. Healing isn’t linear, it is a journey. There will be good days, there will be bad days, but what matters is feeling it, going straight through it, the pain, the hurt, feel it and then move forward. Aside from talking to therapists and Psychiatrists, I have also built an open culture on my TikTok livestreams “Why Not Be Authentic“.
I talk about everything with my community; my life, being a mom, being a wife, being a daughter, a sister, an aunt. Talking about laughter, anger, sadness, crying moments, grief, ADHD squirrel, my family, my healing journey, all of it; nothing left out. I am not afraid to share my story as it not only helps me through my healing process, but it also helps others in hopes to get one step closer to stopping the stigma associated with Mental Health struggles,” she adds.
Vulnerability helps to destigmatize mental health
The stigma around mental health is one factor that has continued to keep a lot of people silent about their struggles. By talking about it, Christina says “we are gradually breaking the chains and strongholds of mental health issues and not just giving ourselves the strength that comes from community, but also strengthening others with a voice to share and a platform to heal.”
Now an LLC and trademarked, “Why Not Be Authentic” is fostering a community that supports individuals grappling with mental health issues. “Through real and raw conversations, my goal is to help each other heal one step and one day at a time, passionately contributing to the collective effort to stop the stigma associated with mental health,” Christina adds.
The real strength in vulnerability is exemplified by her life. Moving from an illustrious 15-year career as a Registered Nurse to becoming a six-figure earning employee at a Fortune 500 company, before deciding to become a full-time Mum and podcaster, it was actually the life before her career came along that imparted her mental health the most. Today, by sharing those difficult times and memories with others, she has been able to draw strength and has become a beacon of light to many others out there.
