For years, mental health struggles were shrouded in silence, tucked away in the shadows of societal stigma. People hesitated to speak out about their challenges, fearing judgment, misunderstanding, or even potential repercussions in their personal and professional lives. This silence wasn’t just an individual burden—it was a cultural one. Conversations around mental health weren’t common, nor were they accepted or well-understood. As a result, many people felt trapped, with their struggles dismissed or ignored.
It’s easy to believe that your struggles make you different, that no one else could possibly understand. But the truth is, so many people—whether silently or openly—are dealing with similar challenges. In fact, mental health issues are among the most common yet least discussed struggles worldwide.
Like any trailblazer, Christina Izokovic, RN & BSN, chose a different path. She decided to share her journey openly, creating her platform, Why Not Be Authentic, as a space for real and raw conversations about mental health. Her work resonates deeply with the challenges many face: the fear of speaking up, the lack of understanding, and the limited resources that make seeking help seem out of reach.
She says, “Think about the people in your life – friends, coworkers, family. How many of them have likely faced similar struggles? The World Health Organization estimates that one in eight people globally lives with a mental health condition. But the real number might be even higher, as stigma and shame often keep people silent.”
Why Not Be Authentic™ was created to break this silence. It was to foster open, honest conversations around mental health, aiming to break the stigma that often surrounds it.
It started as a way for Christina to openly talk about her own mental health journey and the childhood trauma that shaped her path. Through social media, particularly TikTok livestreams and an upcoming podcast, Why Not Be Authentic™️launched February of 2023 on Spotify and Youtube and aimed to release by March 2025 on multiple other platforms, has cultivated a community where authenticity is not just encouraged but celebrated.
The idea behind it is simple. If we can be more open about our mental health, we can stop the stigma that keeps so many people from reaching out for help. She says, “it’s okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to lean on others. I wanted to build a safe space where authenticity and honesty are the foundation, and everyone is welcome to share their story in their own way.”
The Need for Accessible Resources
More than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for depression. While the conversation around mental health is starting to shift, there are still significant barriers that many people face when it comes to getting help. One of the biggest challenges is access to resources.
Many individuals find themselves unable to afford the care they need due to financial limitations or a lack of insurance coverage. In some states, the resources available for mental health treatment are limited, making it difficult for people to find the help they deserve.
Christina got closer to understanding these challenges as she got into the industry herself. “Mental health resources should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or where they live.”
As the platform grows, she aims to not only share her personal story but also bring attention to the systemic issues that prevent people from accessing mental health care. By highlighting these challenges and advocating for better solutions, she hopes to create lasting change for individuals across the country.
Using Social Media to Create a Safe Space
The rise of social media platforms has been a game-changer when it comes to raising awareness about mental health. These platforms have allowed people to share their experiences in ways that weren’t possible before. For Christina, it’s been a way to use her voice, opening up about her own struggles and creating a space where others feel safe to do the same.
As she plans to take on life coaching adventure in her future, she is currently thriving on TikTok livestreams and a podcast, building a community that’s grounded in authenticity. With over 2k subscribers on Youtube and growing, 100k followers on Tiktok and 8k+ followers on Instagram, her platform has become a resource for people to come together, share their stories, and offer each other support. Her message is simple: it’s okay not to be okay. Sharing your struggles is a step toward healing, and it’s something that everyone deserves to do without fear of judgment.
Her platform, Why Not Be Authentic™, encourages people to embrace their true selves and share their stories in a way that helps them heal. This kind of transparency is more than just catharsis for the individual—it also helps to break down the walls of stigma that have long surrounded mental health. The more people share their experiences, the more we normalize mental health struggles, making it easier for others to seek help and find support.
