ThisWayUp Platform Reaches 500,000 Women and Teens in Its First Year

ThisWayUp's First Year: A Milestone in Mental Health Support

One year after its launch, ThisWayUp has etched a significant mark on the landscape of mental health resources for women and teens in North America. Founded by Cat Miller, a former finance executive who pivoted her career to address mental health gaps, ThisWayUp has accomplished a remarkable feat – reaching over 500,000 women and teenagers since its inception. This achievement is not only a reflection of the need for mental health discussions but also underscores the effectiveness of Miller's vision tailored specifically for those seeking guidance.

Cat Miller’s journey stems from her personal struggles with depression and anxiety, fueled by life changes and her daughter's challenges with mental health. Recognizing the lack of accessible resources, Miller created ThisWayUp, a free platform that provides honest conversations, research-backed information, and peer support.

The Impact of Year One

During its first year, ThisWayUp maintained a commitment to providing free content centered around mental health. The platform features over 200 long-form video conversations with expert mental health professionals and individuals sharing their lived experiences. This unique approach has garnered 125,000 social media followers and amassed over 275,000 views on their YouTube mini-documentary. Notably, the platform introduced free mental health programming to classrooms across the U.S. and Canada, effectively reaching thousands of educators and students.

In addition, ThisWayUp was recognized in multiple media outlets, including the HX Collective and Glamour, raising awareness and importance around mental health discussions.

Exciting Developments in Year Two

Building on the momentum from its inaugural year, Year Two promises to broaden ThisWayUp's reach and impact. The organization aims to transition its focus from digital platforms to direct engagement within communities. Here are the highlights:

1. Ambassador Program: ThisWayUp is launching a Local Champion initiative, activating community members to lead in-person workshops and events. This grassroots approach will help disseminate vital conversations and resources directly into towns and cities.

2. Partnership with Sapien Labs: A new collaboration will offer users free access to the MHQ™ (Mind Health Quotient), a globally recognized self-assessment tool to help individuals understand their mental health better.

3. Expanded Expertise: The platform plans to welcome more mental health experts, broadening the range of topics covered to meet community demands.

4. In-Person Events: ThisWayUp will be hosting events across various cities, encouraging live discussions and connections among participants.

5. Enhanced Online Tools: Improvements to the online platform will facilitate easier access for community members to find and provide support, fostering a network beyond just content consumption.

Voices from the Educators

The impact of ThisWayUp extends into educational settings. Anitha, a health science teacher in Kansas, attests to the program's significance. “In my classroom, students manage anxiety but hesitate to ask for help. This program fosters a safe culture for those conversations,” she explains. Anitha appreciates that the content offered by ThisWayUp is grounded in real healthcare practices, making it a valuable resource for both educators and students.

Call to Action

As ThisWayUp enters its second year, it encourages individuals, teachers, caregivers, and organizations to foster open conversations about mental health. The platform invites people to:

- Watch free video conversations available at thiswayup.life
- Share the content to inspire honest discussions
- Speak openly about mental health with vulnerability and hope

Follow ThisWayUp on social media platforms like Instagram at @thiswayup.life and YouTube at @ThisWayUpLife for ongoing updates and resources. For media and partnership inquiries, please reach out at [email protected].

About ThisWayUp

ThisWayUp stands as a testament to the power of community and careful listening to those in need. It offers a comprehensive array of expert-led, evidence-based content and storytelling designed to break the stigma and strengthen resilience among women and teens. To learn more about the platform and its offerings, visit thiswayup.life.