Tarissa Reel (she/her)

Tarissa Reel joined Momma on August 30, 2021 for a live Q&A via Twitch to talk about Mental Health Awareness & Advocacy

About Rissa

Rissa, started Walking for the Voiceless to end the stigma of mental health.

Mental health has impacted her entire life. Her mother had bipolar disease that led to drug addiction and eventually her death 4 years ago. Rissa also endured a childhood of abuse and neglect. She raised her 4 siblings, one having cerebral palsy. She then was later diagnosed after the birth of her second daughter with postpartum depressed, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After her marriage fell apart she ended up in 2 relationships that led to sexual assault and domestic violence. She fled for her life in January of 2021 to Burton, Michigan.

She started healing and being away changed her whole perspective. She was FREE. She was STILL ALIVE. Rissa decided to help others find their voice. She decided to spread her story as far as it could go. On June 22nd, she decided started her walk on foot, backpacking, on a mission to walk as far as she could go. A mission was to show the world that they weren't alone. A mission to show that life (the walk) gets hard sometimes. It's full of storms and pests. It's full of wild beasts and snakes. It gets really dark. You may even reach points of wanting to give up. However, if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, you never know how far you'll make it.

A year ago Rissa was in an abusive relationship that would have ended her life. As of now, she walked nearly 800 miles from to Kansas City. She returned home on August 15th and will be speaking for NAMI at an event in September. She also plans to write a book and to share her photography.

She discovered on her walk how alone she was not. She endured the unbearable heat, many mosquito bites, hives and rain. She slept under a bridge to stay dry. She slept in a park with other homeless people in Kansas City. Many strangers offered water, money for food, their home and even showers. She met people that shared their story of how mental health had impacted their life. She never anticipated to find out just how little mental health discriminates. It doesn't matter if you're rich, poor, of color, white, etc... it's everywhere. Too many lose their battle because they feel alone. She was miles away from home and all it took was sharing her story, speaking up and she was shown love.

Socials / Links for Their Info

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkingforthevoiceless

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarissa.glynn.1

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rissthewalker/

• TikTok: @thesunshinewalker

• GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/walking-for-the-voiceless

Episode Summary

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and understanding in their mental health journey, featuring Rissa Reel's powerful story of resilience and advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Walking for a cause can raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding mental health

• Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their struggles

• Acts of kindness from strangers can have a profound impact on mental health journeys

• Self-care during challenging times can involve breathing exercises, music, and small acts of kindness Self-care practices such as walking, meditation, and creative activities can help in managing mental health.

• Supportive family members and connections with others who have similar experiences are crucial in the healing process.

• Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and make others feel less alone.

• It is important to seek help and utilize available resources for mental health support.

• Taking time for rest and self-care is essential, even during challenging journeys.

• Mental health affects everyone, regardless of background or status.

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, I had the privilege of speaking with Rissa Reel, a passionate mental health advocate. Rissa’s journey into advocacy stems from her personal experiences with mental health challenges, shaped by her upbringing and her own battles with mental illness.

Rissa shared that her mother had bipolar disorder, which led to drug addiction and her eventual death four years ago. This traumatic experience, coupled with a childhood marred by abuse and neglect, profoundly impacted Rissa. She took on the responsibility of raising her four siblings, including one with cerebral palsy. These early life experiences set the stage for her advocacy work, emphasizing the importance of mental health support and awareness.

After the birth of her second daughter, Rissa was diagnosed with postpartum depression, OCD, and PTSD. These diagnoses were crucial turning points, propelling her to seek help and understand the importance of mental health. Her personal struggles became the foundation of her advocacy, driving her to help others navigate their mental health journeys.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rissa's advocacy is her physical journey to raise awareness. On June 22nd of this year, she embarked on a walk from Michigan to Kansas, covering nearly 800 miles. This journey was not just a physical challenge but a testament to her dedication to mental health awareness. Along the way, Rissa faced numerous hardships, including extreme heat, mosquito bites, and sleeping in unconventional places like under bridges and in parks. Despite these challenges, she encountered incredible kindness from strangers who offered water, food, and even shelter. These acts of kindness reinforced her belief in the power of community and support.

Throughout her walk, Rissa aimed to show people that they are not alone in their struggles. Her main message is that it's okay to not be okay and that everyone matters. She emphasized that mental health issues affect everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. By sharing her story, Rissa hopes to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek help.

Rissa’s advice to those struggling with their mental health is simple yet powerful: keep pushing forward. She highlighted the importance of reaching out for support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Her mantra, "Your survival rate so far is 100% because you are here today," serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience inherent in everyone. Rissa believes that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress and that everyone's story has the power to make a difference.

Rissa reiterated that mental health is a journey filled with ups and downs. She encouraged listeners to continue the conversation around mental health and support each other along the way. For those seeking more interaction, Rissa is active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where she continues to share her journey and advocate for mental health awareness.

This interview with Rissa Reel underscores the importance of perseverance, community, and the power of sharing personal stories to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. Her dedication to her cause and her willingness to share her own struggles serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.