Singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko has a new title to add to her resume: “Mental Health Is Health” Ambassador.
In late April, Los Angeles officials, in collaboration with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, declared May as “Mental Health Is Health Month” (MHIHM).
Alongside MHIHM, Didi Hirsch also launched an ambassadorship campaign to help fight to destigmatize mental health matters, and Aiko had the honor of joining the cause.
The matter was recently announced at Los Angeles City Hall, and Aiko accepted the honor with a heartfelt speech.
“When I started to write and do music, it was my personal therapy to help me get through things. I didn’t know about therapy; I didn’t know a lot about mental illness or depression or anxiety,” she said. “I just found that turning my pain and suffering into some form of art, transforming it into art, really helped me get through it.”
“I will continue to share my mental health journey through my poetry and music to help others heal. To help others not feel alone,” Aiko continued. “There’s no reason anyone should feel alone on this journey of life.”
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The singer was also sure to acknowledge the honor on Instagram.
“It’s an honor to be included in such an incredible group of people who work year-round to help eradicate the stigma of mental health and work diligently towards suicide prevention,” she wrote. “Mental health IS health. it’s time we realize that taking care of our wellbeing is just as important as taking care of our physical bodies.”
“There’s no coincidence that we are on this Earth with billions of others… life can get tough, but no one should have to go through any of it alone,” Aiko continued. “I will continue to share my mental health journey and wellbeing practices through my poetry and music in hopes to help others on their mental health journey.”
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Shoutout to Jhené Aiko for fighting to normalize conversations around mental health!
