Sheryl Johnson on Hearts 4 Minds, Supporting A Loved One with a Mental Illness, and the Importance of Unapologetic Conversation
What a hugely impactful conversation we have in store for you. I am joined in this episode of ‘None of Us Are Normal’ by Sheryl Johnson, founder of Hearts 4 Minds. After losing her son, Alex, to depression, Sheryl and her husband, Todd, founded Hearts 4 Minds as a way to break the stigma of mental illness and improve mental health literacy. In the six years since it was first formed, the organization has expanded its impact into so many reaches of the community. I’m excited for you to hear about ALL of them in this episode, along with the importance of early identification in mental illness, understanding your own feelings, and how to navigate a loved one’s mental illness.
S2E6 | None of Us Are ‘Normal’ Podcast
About Our Guest
Sheryl Johnson is the Founder and President of Hearts 4 Minds. Sheryl and her husband Todd live in Jacksonville with their three children, Craig, Carey, and Matt, along with their dog, Abbie, and two cats. Their children are each pursuing their goals in college and graduate school – Craig at Law School at the University of Florida, Carey a senior at the University of Alabama, and Matt a junior at Auburn University. With their father a Florida Gator, football season is full of energy and friendly rivalry. The family enjoys traveling, water sports, and the beach.
Sheryl has had a successful professional career as an attorney, compliance officer, and risk officer of private and public companies serving the financial services industry. But her passion lies in her commitment to her community. Since 1998, she has strived to serve on boards that serve youth and families.
Sheryl and Todd started Hearts 4 Minds (formerly known as Alex’s Dragonfly Coalition Inc.) after they lost their oldest son, Alex in 2017. Alex suffered from depression and anxiety and after a diagnosis of epilepsy in 2016, began a year long struggle to regain his footing.
Unfortunately, Alex took fentanyl in a self-prescribed effort to feel better and lost his life to an overdose. His quick wit, kind soul, and culinary talent are missed by everyone who knew and loved him. During the year following his death, Sheryl and Todd knew they needed to do something in his honor. Drawing on their personal experience, they began focusing their attention on the barriers created by the stigma associated with mental illness and the often catastrophic impact on the sufferer and their family.
Using a design by their daughter, based upon a picture of Alex with a dragonfly on his nose, the family created their logo and commissioned a pin to be used to spread awareness, open discussion and break down the stigma associated with mental illness. All donations to their 501 (C) (3) non-profit serve their initiatives for change, connecting those in need to those that provide, improving the fundamental healthcare ecosystem and saving lives by raising awareness. Today, more than 3,000 of their pins are being worn throughout the United States and have even made their way to Canada, Ireland and Australia.
Show Notes
• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Text LIFE to 741741. Trained therapists are available 24/7 to assist.
• Visit hearts4minds.org/donate or text H4M to 44321 to help Hearts 4 Minds break the stigma of mental illness.
• Follow Hearts4Minds on Instagram
• ‘Like’ Hearts4Minds on Facebook