WALLINGFORD, Conn. - s4story -- In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, entrepreneur, author, and former Huffington Post contributor Justin Calabrese is using his voice to advocate for greater mental health understanding, access, and compassion. Drawing from personal experience, Calabrese speaks candidly about his own struggles with mental health and offers a message of hope and actionable guidance for those in need.

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"There's a quiet kind of suffering that comes with mental illness," Calabrese says. "It doesn't always announce itself. Sometimes, it's a fake smile in a meeting or an 'I'm fine' text that takes everything you have to send."

Through his Official Medium.com Blog and Official Website, JustinCalabrese.com, Calabrese opens up about moments of isolation and darkness—and the long, non-linear journey toward healing. His message is clear: you are not alone, and there are tangible steps anyone can take to begin finding peace again.

Key coping strategies Calabrese emphasizes include:

• Talking to someone — be it a therapist, friend, or family member.
• Moving your body — even small forms of movement can ease anxiety.
• Creating safe spaces — physical or emotional environments where authenticity is welcomed.
• Limiting social media — taking digital breaks can restore perspective and reduce self-comparison.
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation — tools like Headspace or Calm can support nervous system regulation.
• Journaling — to express thoughts that may be too heavy to hold.
• Considering medication if needed — removing the stigma around medical support for mental health.
• Celebrating small wins — acknowledging even the tiniest steps forward.

"Depression is not weakness. Anxiety is not laziness," Calabrese reminds readers. "Mental health struggles are not character flaws."

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He encourages anyone feeling overwhelmed or in crisis to seek immediate help and highlights resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Calabrese concludes with a reminder that resonates far beyond the month of May: "You matter. Your story matters. And no matter how heavy life feels right now, there are people who want to help you carry it."