For Cosmopolitan’s latest issue, the first-ever print issue devoted entirely to the subject of mental health, editor-in-chief Jessica Giles spoke to VP Kamala Harris about the Biden administration’s plan to expand mental health care, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and how she handles her own high-stress position. (It involves sweat.)
Plus, in coordination with the issue, Cosmo has debuted a comprehensive digital package on mental wellness. Included in the package are three personal essays from influential people our readers love that explore nuanced facets of mental health care: Tanaye White, a Sports Illustrated model, about her secret battle with depression; actress Ashley Tisdale reveals her lifelong panic attacks and her inspiration for the self-care line Frenshe; and writer and advocate Madeleine Popelka, who founded the Insta-community @healingfromPTSD, on her trauma journey. Finally, Cosmo has also published a deep-dive on 9-8-8, the new suicide hotline operated by SAMHSA, to connect our readers with the resources they need.
Vice President Kamala Harris on the Future of Mental Wellness—and How We Get There:
“For too long, when we as a society have thought about health care, we have operated as though the body starts from the neck down. But we need to care for people as whole people—and that includes taking care of their mental health and well-being.”
Sports Illustrated Model Tanaye White: Depression Doesn’t Have an End Date—or a Specific Look
“Depression does not have a finish line. It’s a journey that follows you throughout your life—there is no fourth base or touchdown—it just continues. I’m so passionate about transforming the hardships I went through into something useful for others on their journeys.”
Ashley Tisdale: I Struggled to Navigate My Anxiety for Years—Now I’m Committed to Helping Others:
“I started having panic attacks before I even knew there was a word for that overwhelming feeling.”
“It’s been over a decade since my panic attacks started, and in the time that has passed, I’ve found that there’s no shame in admitting when I need help. There will always be new challenges, but now I know that the next time I fall down, I won’t have to go through it alone.”
Author Madeline Popelka on How to Overcome PTSD:
“It takes courage to face your past. While it will be messy and uncomfortable and challenging every step of the way, I can already tell you’ll have the strength to make it. It may not feel like it at this moment, but I promise you’re going to be okay.”
Cosmopolitan’s Mental Health issue is on national newsstands now
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/mental-health-depression-anxiety/