Meet Julia Mukai of Pratt University: February’s Ambassador of the Month
We are excited to shine a spotlight on Julia Mukai, our February Ambassador of the Month! Julia’s passion for mental health advocacy and her commitment to creating open, hopeful spaces for others have made her an integral part of the Yellow Tulip Project community. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach embodies the heart of our mission to erase stigma and spread hope.
Take a moment to read our interview with Julia below to learn more about her journey, the impact of being a YTP ambassador, and her inspiring advice on supporting mental health.
Q: What first inspired you to get involved with YTP?
I was first inspired to join YTP when founder, Julia Hansen, spoke at our school for a TEDx event. I’d been struggling in relative isolation with my mental health at that time. It was inspiring to hear her openly discussing experiences with mental illness. It opened me up to a new community of welcoming and kind individuals:) We all have the shared goal of making the world a more hopeful place and that in and of itself is a source of hope.
Q: How has being an ambassador impacted your perspective on mental health?
Being an ambassador for YTP has given me a more hopeful outlook on my mental health. Even when I felt like my hope was low, putting energy into healthy, safe, and open spaces felt like a relief. I no longer see my mental health experience as an exclusively negative, constantly uphill battle, but rather, as a struggle that has connected me more deeply with others; a challenge that has made me a stronger and more resilient person.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d share with others about supporting mental health?
Supporting mental health can be a way for you to build hope too. Creating an open space for people to be hopeful together can be a rewarding way to feel less alone.
It can feel daunting to know how to support mental health. These feelings are uncomfortable and tiring which often causes people to react with pity or fear. Instead, the best thing you can do is BE with that person. Don’t let your fear or worry of saying something wrong cause you to back away. A hurt mind is often seeking evidence for the misunderstood heartache it feels. Sitting with that person and asking them what they need in that moment can often be the best thing. You don’t need to fix it, you just need to be present with them in their isolation. The brain will always eb and flow, as long as you’re patient and compassionate with yourself and others, you’re supporting mental health.