'I hope tomorrow is different from today'.
Hello, my name is Eleni Tsota!
Growing up in a small town in Greece, mental health was a taboo subject. Not only would people avoid talking about it, but they would also look down on those who were struggling with mental health problems. Telling depressed teens that they ‘had nothing to be sad about’ and people with anxiety that they ‘had nothing to worry about’ are common examples of the stigma that exists. That, along with the internalized misogyny and racism that many people would face daily, made me want to be the change I wanted to see.
Spreading awareness regarding mental health, equality and the general wellbeing of others are my top goals at the moment. I believe that all people deserve equal opportunities in life and I am willing to work as hard as I can to help support people who go through similar struggles.
Moreover, making mental health a subject that people feel more comfortable talking about is one of the things I am trying to achieve through this role. I would like to use this opportunity to create a safer environment for everyone and plan to utilize technology to ensure people can stay connected and receive support even if they are feeling isolated. Most importantly, I want to show that sometimes it is okay to not be okay and that you are not alone. No matter your age, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, you are loved, appreciated and you matter.