Check Out Jessica Anguiano’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Anguiano

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all began with a toe injury during the pandemic. Unemployed and struggling with my mental health, I started using Instagram as a digital journal to share my personal healing experiences. The response I received was overwhelming and motivated me to keep going.

Despite having a supportive husband, family, and friends, I felt emotionally isolated. Mental health was never part of my vocabulary, and I didn’t know how to seek help. One day, while at the clinic for my injury, I asked the receptionist for information about mental health in a whisper, as if I was doing something wrong. His kindness and the sticky note he gave me with a helpline number became a turning point.

Initially too scared to call the number, I threw the sticky note away. The next day, feeling down again, I found the sticky note stuck to my shoe. Taking this as a sign, I finally got the courage to call. Discovering the world of mental health was shocking in its greatness. The support available was incredible, and it made me realize how vital it is to seek help.

Sharing my journey on social media felt important because I wanted others to know they weren’t alone and that seeking help is okay. This is why my Instagram handle, Jess1Fashion, evolved into Vida_with_Jess, reflecting my shift from fashion to focusing on mental wellness and self-empowerment. By bringing awareness to the support available, I hope my story inspires others to prioritize their mental health and seek the help they need.

As the eldest daughter and the first to navigate many life experiences, I made many mistakes and needed guidance and mentorship. This is why I started the podcast Vida, I Wish I Knew Then. On this podcast, I share my mental wellness journey and self-empowerment tips, and I bring on guests who share their own stories. The podcast is my way to amplify my voice and experiences to a broader audience, aiming to create a community where people feel supported and understood in their mental health journeys.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Sharing my personal mental health journey on social media platforms hasn’t been easy. It brought resistance from family and friends who didn’t understand my mission, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health. I faced pushback, criticism, and comments like “what will people say?” and “you seemed so happy, what’s wrong?” Some even felt my content was too personal. Despite this, I persisted in sharing my struggles to break down stigmas and encourage others in similar situations to seek help.

Creating content and recording podcast episodes is an unpaid and demanding job in itself. I’ve experienced burnout several times. However, I’ve found ways to persevere by practicing mindfulness, taking necessary breaks, and prioritizing my own well-being.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m deeply passionate about creating content and advocating for mental health, especially for BIPOC women. Through platforms like social media and my podcast, Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, I focus on raising awareness and empowering others. I’m known for openly sharing my personal journey, wearing my emotions on my sleeve (I’m not afraid to cry), and nurturing a safe community where people can openly discuss challenges and seek support. Transitioning from fashion content on Instagram to Vida_with_Jess underscores my commitment to mental wellness and self-empowerment.

What sets me apart is my authenticity and willingness to discuss mental health openly, despite encountering resistance. I’m proud to have received messages from individuals across the United States and around the globe, sharing how my content has positively impacted their lives and helped them feel less alone. My goal is to foster understanding, support, and encourage everyone to prioritize their well-being, while also promoting empathy and breaking through mental health stigmas.

How do you define success?
Success to me is more than having the courage, passion, and willingness to create a movement around mental health. It’s about knowing that my content could make a profound difference in someone’s life, perhaps even save a life. Untreated mental health issues can tragically lead to suicide, which is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. By openly sharing my journey and advocating for mental health awareness through platforms like social media and my podcast, “Vida, I Wish I Knew Then”, I aim to break down stigmas, empower others, and build a supportive community where everyone feels understood and supported in their mental health journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vida_with_jess/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iiZBP37MqoC8Iq9sDfU3v?si=ab775ec2e1984142

Image Credits
Greg Sandoval
Lily Tapia