Guest Profile

Julie McLean

Since the age of 16, I have thought about suicide almost daily and have acted on those thoughts many times. I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I was overcritical of myself. I thought no one could truly love me for me.

How could they if I didn’t love myself because of all the negative self-talk in my head?

This led me into mental health crisis after mental health crisis. I finally found my voice and learned how talking about my mental health and mental illness challenges was vital for me and others.
After a mental health crisis, I trained to identify when others are in crisis and what needed to be done to help get needed treatment. I learned not to be afraid to ask if someone is okay, did they want to hurt themselves, and if they have a plan.

As a speaker and mental health advocate, I have done things I never thought possible. This came to fruition in 2021 when I was on the TEDxOcala stage talking about my mental health and mental illness.

From there, I was certified as a coach to help others find ways to positively impact their mental health, and speak to groups on how to end the stigma of mental illness.

Ending the stigma of mental health has become my mission. Asking the right questions can save a life. It did for me.