Made of Millions is a mental health platform 'for sufferers, by sufferers'

Artists, filmmakers, doctors and coders have joined forces to launch a new online educational hub that aims to democratise access to quality information around mental health.

The site, Made of Millions is a nonprofit that features forums, editorial and video content and a live-streaming video services that can be accessed through Instagram, YouTube, Twitch and Crowdcast.

These videos include tips on mental wellbeing and further mental health information from organisations such as The Drug Policy Alliance, ThriveNYC, youth-run advocacy group Open Mind Gymm; as well as therapist Natasha Daniels and sex educator Davondra Brown. Topics include harm reduction drug education, workplace advocacy, the overlaps between mental and sexual wellbeing, and more.

The revamped site also includes resources for people to use as advocacy tools in spaces like schools, churches, workplaces and even the family home to share awareness around mental health issues and what's helpful in terms of support.

Further additions include a more comprehensive library of educational resources, including in-depth information on more than 30 conditions, a community-submitted resource directory and volunteer opportunities around mental health work and awareness.

Made of Millions was designed in house by Made of Millions, led by creative director and cofounder Anastasia Kuznetsova. She was one of the core team behind the original platform's launch in 2015 along with a small group of creators who shared a frustration at the slow progress of the mental health landscape.

"We want to discuss things that aren't being discussed, reach people who aren't being reached, and encourage our community to get involved in the process," says Kuznetsova. "The sooner mental health leaders start working together, the faster we can alleviate suffering."

The launch of the updated platform coincides with the formation of a new medical advisory board, that aims to "represent communities and perspectives that are often left out of the conversation," according to the platform. Members include Dr Jody Adewale (clinical psychologist), Dr Imani Walker (psychiatrist and social justice advocate seen on Bravo's Married to Medicine Los Angeles), Dr Jenny Yip (clinical psychologist, author, and anxiety expert), and others.

"After four years in the mental health space, we realised that the community lacks a singular educational 'hub'," says Made of Millions cofounder Lauren O'Shaughnessy. "What we hope to create with our live schedule, is a compilation point for the mental health community where people can host, watch and contribute to programming that covers a wide range of topics and experiences, not just those we're used to hearing about."

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