How Christina, with her Platform, “Why Not Be Authentic™”, is Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

Stereotypes about mental health often include harmful beliefs, like the idea that people are responsible for their mental health struggles or that individuals with mental health conditions are inherently dangerous. These misconceptions fuel discrimination, such as denying someone housing or rejecting a job application solely based on their mental health.

Self-stigma can be just as damaging. This happens when individuals internalize negative public attitudes, believing they’re unworthy or that they should "just push through" their symptoms with sheer willpower. When these beliefs take hold, it’s easy to feel isolated, misunderstood, and stuck in a position of disadvantage. As a result, people may shy away from applying for housing, seeking medical care, or engaging in community activities, further deepening the cycle of stigma.

Christina Izokovic, RN, BSN, is tackling this challenge head-on through her growing social media platforms and podcast, Why Not Be Authentic™. By combining her professional expertise as a registered nurse with a personal journey of healing, Christina is creating a safe space for conversations about mental health, authenticity, and self-growth.

She often explains, one of the most significant barriers to mental health awareness is stigma. People often hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Common stigmas include the belief that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness, that therapy is only for severe cases, or that taking medication is unnecessary or "cheating." These misconceptions can prevent people from accessing the support they need.

Christina’s approach is to normalize conversations around mental health, emphasizing that it’s okay to not be okay. By sharing her own experiences and struggles, she creates a sense of solidarity and encourages others to open up about their journeys. Her healing journey has been deeply rooted in breaking generational trauma - a challenging but necessary path toward true healing. She understands that setting healthy boundaries, especially with family, is essential in this process. Often, those working to break cycles of trauma can feel isolated, as establishing these boundaries requires facing difficult emotions head-on. However, Christina emphasizes the importance of pushing through the discomfort, knowing that true healing comes from acknowledging and working through these feelings. Her message is clear: don’t give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Launched in February 2023, Why Not Be Authentic™ started as a podcast on Spotify and YouTube. The podcast began on TikTok, where Christina went LIVE to share her mental health struggles in hopes of finding connection and building a community of understanding. The growth of her, faster than she imagined, led her to quit corporate job and officially launch the Why Not Be Authentic™️ podcast. This created a dedicated space for open and honest conversations about mental health.

Spread across multiple platforms, the podcast bagged over 2,000 subscribers on YouTube in less than a year, and has resonated deeply with audiences looking for relatable and honest conversations. Season 3, set to launch in May 2025, promises a facelift, with new formats and features to keep listeners engaged and informed.

Christina’s vision for Why Not Be Authentic™ extends beyond the podcast. By May 2025, she plans to make the podcast available on all major platforms, broadening its reach and accessibility. This expansion is a testament to her commitment to spreading awareness and fostering community connections.

With the changing face of social media, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube give people a space to have open and honest conversations that help normalize topics often seen as taboo. Advocates, influencers, and mental health professionals use these platforms to share personal stories, educate their audiences, and challenge outdated stereotypes.

These trends have played a pivotal role in Christina’s mission. It has successfully fostered a sense of connection, helping people realize they’re not alone in their struggles. By bringing these conversations into the public eye, it’s creating a shift in how we view mental health—encouraging more understanding, compassion, and action.

Her TikTok platform, which has garnered nearly 100k+ followers since its inception in July 2023, serves as a space for quick, impactful messages that resonate with a diverse audience. On Instagram, her following of 10k+, which continues to grow, thanks to her consistent efforts to share meaningful content and engage with her community.

These platforms allow her to reach individuals who might otherwise feel isolated in their mental health struggles. Her relatable posts and videos often highlight the importance of self-care, authenticity, and the courage to seek help—messages that have struck a chord with many.

While Christina’s platforms focus on helping others, she remains deeply committed to her own healing journey. “I eventually want to become a life coach and have clients,” she shares, “but I’m still prioritizing my own healing and further education before taking on that responsibility.” This dedication to self-growth ensures that Christina’s future coaching services will be grounded in authenticity and expertise.

Christina’s transparency about her journey not only inspires her audience but also reinforces the importance of self-care. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that breaking the stigma around mental health starts with conversations.