OUR MISSION
We are here to break the silence, to be a resource and to support cultural change in mental health.
A MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION FOUNDED IN 2021
The Big Silence Foundation is a charitable organization based in Austin, TX, with the mission to cultivate conversations and offer resources and programs to destigmatize and change the culture around mental health.
The mental health foundation was founded in 2021 by Karena Dawn, a wellness entrepreneur and leading mental health advocate, based on her experiences growing up in a family impacted by mental illness (shared in her memoir, The Big Silence).
It’s our goal to support people’s mental health journey from childhood to adult and to create a more joyful and loving place.
OUR FOUNDER + MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
KARENA DAWN
Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up, is a wellness entrepreneur, NY Times best selling author, NAMI board advisor and a passionate mental health advocate.
Growing up with a mother who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, her childhood was filled with traumatic experiences that resulted in repressed emotions, guilt, shame and being a suicide survivor. She knows from experience that suffering in silence only reinforces the stigma surrounding mental health issues and creates barriers which prevent healing. She overcame a dark period of depression, anxiety and substance abuse in her teens and 20s, was able to forge a path to self-discovery, build a nurturing community that has helped millions, and ultimately find peace.
She has always used her platform and influence to inspire people around the world through fitness, mindfulness and spiritual empowerment and founded The Big Silence Foundation to further her mission and erase the stigma surrounding mental health.
A MESSAGE FROM KARENA
“I experienced significant trauma throughout my life from growing up with a mother who was diagnosed with, and lived with, untreated schizophrenia and depression.
As a girl, I struggled to find any resources to help with my mental health, and I attempted to end my life.
In 2021 I founded The Big Silence mental health foundation in honor of my mother, and of little Karena, who needed help and couldn’t find it.”
WHAT WE DO
The Big Silence Foundation activates programs and tools to support people’s mental health journey at different stages of life from children to adulthood.
THERAPY FOR ALL
Therapy for All makes 1:1 talk therapy accessible to those who need assistance with a robust network of mental health professionals.
APPLY NOWCORPORATE WELLNESS
Through our Corporate Wellness initiative we help employers educate, attract, and retain their top talent, ensuring a culture of empowerment, growth, and mental wellness.Our corporate programs enrich and benefit employee mental health with weekly events, monthly talks and staff retreats, and Thought Leadership discussions and panels around relative company topics.
LEARN MOREMENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
We've gathered these resources with help from our partners and network of mental health professionals to help you to navigate your mental health needs.
SEE OUR RESOURCESSPEAKING + ADVOCACY
Speaking about mental health can help change lives! Karena shares her own journey from hopelessness to healing, and her knowledge and expertise as a leading mental health advocate with more than a decade of experience through partnerships with NAMI, other organizations, schools, and educational institutions. She shares her story in The Big Silence memoir.
BOOK KARENA
Our 4 step process to support and uplift you on your mental health journey:
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SELF AWARENESS & CLARITY
Starting the conversation within yourself to understand what you are feeling and why
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STRESS & ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
Tools to help your treat and work through the stresses life can bring
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STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY
The foundation for a healthy mind is a strong body
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EMPATHY & LISTENING
Understanding other people's feelings and spreading positive energy
OUR TEAM
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KARENA DAWN
Founder
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Rachel Sahaidachny
Executive Director
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Deseray Cummings
Social Media
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Bobby Goldstein
Founding Partner
Our Board of Trustees
Karena Dawn • Eric Baker • James Nicholas Kinney • Shane McCassey • Tonia O’Connor • Rachel Sahaidachny • Debbie Whitehead
44,000+ PEOPLE HELPED
REACHED OVER 4.2 MILLION
2.8 MILLION EVENT PARTICIPANTS
Provided over 44,000 people with mental health resources and support through our website resources and programs including Therapy for All and Crisis Text Line
Reached over 4.2 million people with mental health and self-development conversations through The Big Silence podcast
Over 2.8 million participated through live events and other initiatives
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
100% of proceeds benefit our work to destigmatize mental health.
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