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 NOW

  • CORPORATE 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 MORE

  • MENTAL 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 RESOURCES

  • SPEAKING + 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:

  • SELF AWARENESS & CLARITY

    Starting the conversation within yourself to understand what you are feeling and why 

  • STRESS & ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

    Tools to help your treat and work through the stresses life can bring 

  • STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY

    The foundation for a healthy mind is a strong body 

  • EMPATHY & LISTENING

    Understanding other people's feelings and spreading positive energy 
DONATE AND MAKE A CHANGE

OUR TEAM

  • KARENA DAWN

    Founder

  • Rachel Sahaidachny

    Executive Director

  • Deseray Cummings

    Social Media

  • Bobby Goldstein

    Founding Partner

Our Board of Trustees

Karena Dawn • Eric Baker • James Nicholas Kinney • Shane McCassey • Tonia O’Connor • Rachel Sahaidachny • Debbie Whitehead
OUR IMPACT SINCE 2021
•

  • 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

DONATE

Reached over 4.2 million people with mental health and self-development conversations through The Big Silence podcast

LISTEN NOW

Over 2.8 million participated through live events and other initiatives

ATTEND AN EVENT

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • “During the pandemic, I fell on hard times and was struggling, but I didn’t feel as if I could talk about it.

    I ended up losing my home and was dealing with anxiety that kept getting worse and worse. I found The Big Silence because I was always a fan of Karena from Tone It Up. I started paying attention to her story and listening to the podcast and hearing professionals talk about tough subjects gave me the courage to ask for help. I was able to go from being homeless to staying with a family member, and I was able to enter a behavioral mental health program and get the help I needed. I was also able to get an autism diagnosis (I’m 37) and am learning the skills to help me better function with work, friends, and family.”

  • “Today the universe reminded me of why I do what I do. I felt so seen, so loved, so appreciated, and safe.

    Thank you Karena Dawn for using your voice to raise awareness about mental health. Thank you for reminding me that anything is possible. My heart is so full!”

  • “Karena, the space you’ve manifested and shared with the public about mental health awareness is powerful and heartwarming.

    I feel honored to have experienced its message.” 

  • "Hi Karena. I just wanted to let you know that I used The Big Silence website today to get the phone number for the suicide prevention hotline.

    I called and I'm glad I did. The woman on the other end was very helpful. Thank you for bringing mental health to the forefront and getting resources together in one place." 

  • “Thank you so much! I thought I was alone, but when I reached out, I found help! It means so much to me to know that I'm not alone going through this.”

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100% of proceeds benefit our work to destigmatize mental health.

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