From Struggle to Vision: How John Gesumaria is Changing Mental Health Advocacy

In this episode of The Mindful Journey, we sit down with John Gesumaria, an inspiring social worker, mental health advocate, and the founder of Differently. John shares his deeply personal journey, from navigating mental health challenges as a child to becoming a champion for innovative support systems that go beyond traditional therapy. His experiences with depression, learning disabilities, and systemic mental health interventions shaped his unique perspective and purpose-driven career. Together, we explore the power of lived experiences in transforming the mental health field and creating inclusive, multi-faceted approaches to care.

About the Guest

John Gesumaria is a social worker, advocate, and founder of Differently, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing mental health support. Diagnosed with depression at a young age, John spent years navigating various treatments and programs, gaining firsthand experience of the gaps and challenges in mental health care. With a background in business and a passion for advocacy, he transitioned into social work, focusing on workplace mental health and developing innovative, scalable support systems. His work centers on the belief that therapy alone isn’t enough, and diverse, community-oriented approaches are crucial for meaningful change.

Reach: https://www.diffrently.net/

Key Takeaways

1. Lived Experience as a Catalyst: John’s journey highlights how personal struggles can serve as a foundation for impactful change in professional and social contexts.
2. The Power of Purpose: Embracing a sense of purpose can transform adversity into a driving force for success and innovation.
3. Beyond Traditional Therapy: Mental health support needs to encompass various approaches, including peer-led programs, workplace mental health advocacy, and accessible community resources.
4. Disclosing Mental Health at Work: Transparency about mental health can lead to systemic improvements but requires careful navigation to balance personal and professional outcomes.
5. Resilience Through Advocacy: Overcoming stigma and barriers starts with acknowledging vulnerabilities and turning them into opportunities for empowerment and support.

One Key Learning

Purpose amplifies resilience: John’s story emphasizes that finding purpose in personal struggles not only builds resilience but also creates a ripple effect, inspiring and supporting others on their journeys.