Grace Gaustad Unlocks the "Black Box" of Mental Health

<p>Singer-songwriter <a href="https://gracegaustad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grace Gaustad</a> joins the <a href="https://consequence.net/category/going-there/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Going There</em></a> podcast to unlock that "black box" of mental health, particularly when it comes to the lasting effects of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. Speaking with Dr. Mike, Gaustad describes how she was bullied because of her sexuality, and how that triggered her becoming severely depressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>The<em> BLKBX: wht r u hding?</em> musician explains how she started the non-profit organization the <a href="https://blkbxproject.org/blkbox-project-m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BLKBX Project</a> in conjunction with her new album release. This organization focuses on teen mental illness, and addresses the fact that most people face stressful and traumatic issues such as bullying and mental illness in isolation. It's not uncommon to struggle in secret, in part because the stigma of mental illness causes us to assume – unfortunately, often rightly so – that we will be we will be harmed emotionally, socially, financially, even physically if we're too vocal about our issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>Similarly, people don't often check in on those facing mental challenges until there's a catastrophic event or it impacts our daily functioning. Gaustad explains how, like when an airplane crashes, we then investigate the black box that explains what went wrong; it's only then that we begin to try to figure out what’s going on with ourselves or others.</p> <p>Listen to the latest episode of <em>Going There with Dr. Mike</em> now, and make sure you like and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow along with the <a href="https://consequence.net/category/consequence-podcast-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Consequence Podcast Network</a> for updates on all our series.&nbsp;</p> <p>To make your voice heard on <em>Going There</em> or to ask a question for our monthly&nbsp;<a href="https: