A MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

What would you give to help the world move in the direction of a thriving culture that supports and values each individuals’ mental wellbeing?

Donate To Bring Change

  •  

    $10

    Shows your support for the cause, any amount helps!

    DONATE $10
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    $100

    Provides a therapy scholarship for someone in need

    DONATE $100
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    $500

    Helps change the stigma by providing 5 people in a mental health desert with access to resources

    DONATE $500
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    $1000

    Brings conversations about mental health to the public through our live events and podcast, working to destigmatize and change the culture around mental health

    DONATE $1000

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.”

HOW WE'RE MAKING NOISE

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

THERAPY FOR ALL

“Therapy for All” provides mental health resources and makes 1:1 talk therapy more accessible with a robust network of mental health professionals.

Nearly 6 out of 10 adults who say their mental health is only fair or poor say they have not been able to get needed care with the most common reason cited as being unable to afford the cost. Our therapy scholarships give people hope!

LEARN MORE

JOIN US

LIVE EVENTS

Our live events provide a welcoming and accepting environment and bring communities together to “make mental health cool” with thought leaders, celebrities, therapists, personal stories, workouts, live music and performances, meditation, advanced therapeutic practices, and more to help people tune into their mental health landscape and navigate their mental health needs.

ATTEND AN EVENT!

EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH

CORPORATE WELLNESS

Mental health is a non-negotiable benefit, and with our Corporate Wellness initiative we help employers educate, attract, and retain their top talent. Together we work to change the stigma and ensure a culture of empowerment, growth, and mental wellness.

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KEYNOTE AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS

SPEAKING & ADVOCACY

As a mental health advocate Karena shares her own journey from hopelessness to healing, and her knowledge and expertise as a leading mental health advocate with a decade of experience through partnerships with NAMI, other organizations, schools, and educational institutions.

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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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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

  • OUR RESOURCE GUIDE

    We've gathered these mental health resources with help from our partners and network of mental health professionals to help you to navigate your mental health needs.

    SEE THE GUIDE
  • THE BIG SILENCE BLOG

    Features stories and education about mental health topics that are important to the community.

    READ THE BLOG
  • MENTAL HEALTH NEWS

    Stories and news about The Big Silence.

    LEARN MORE

MORE FROM THE BIG SILENCE

We’re inviting you to make a difference with us. Join us in our quest to help as many people as possible.

READ THE MEMOIR

Founder Karena Dawn shares her personal story in The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing, shining a light on the eternal struggle we all share—how to move past the pain and suffering of our personal battles to experience life’s joys. 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

This top mental health podcast features motivational real life conversations surrounding topics including addiction, trauma and PTSD, caring for loved ones with a mental health condition and more.

SHOP MERCH

Start a conversation in your The Big Silence apparel! All proceeds benefit our work to destigmatize mental health. Join the movement!