“Baton Rouge is a city filled with creatives of all kinds, people who are craving spaces for connection and healing,” Borruano says. “My hope is that we can continue to build those spaces together as a community.”

When functionality, productivity and logistical decision-making dominate the daily grind, mental health awareness, much like creative expression, is never discussed as much as it could be.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — ‘You are not alone for the holidays,’ is a message for the capital city this season. A time when people are in need of an extra push, said Chelsea Borruano, founder of the mental health nonprofit, You Aren’t Alone Project.

“It’s the time of year where most people need a day to reflect, to connect, to just have the space, to be able to be present with themselves and to say, like, I can do this, I can get through this, or I’m struggling and I need help,” Borruano said.

Through the nonprofit, Borruano has newly established creative relief wellness retreats that are set to make an impact for creatives, especially those in Louisiana.

Emotions are often high around elections, so the You Aren’t Alone Project is hosting ‘Conversations Over Coffee’ Thursday night at Social Coffee to help you find out how to be civically engaged without sacrificing your mental health.

The event features nonpartisan info to educate without spin, a counselor on hand to facilitate meaningful conversations, and plenty of coffee and treats!

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Everyone struggles with their mental health at some point in their lives, but barriers often prevent people from getting the help they need.

Baton Rouge, La (BRPROUD) In an effort to raise awareness about prioritizing mental health, the You Aren’t Alone Project in collaboration with Cards and Culture is hosting a mental health night in Perkins Rowe, Thursday, October 21.

The You Aren’t Alone Project (YAAP), a nonprofit based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, launched a virtual raffle fundraiser on May 18 benefitting mental health initiatives. The national raffle will run until 11:59 p.m. CST on June 2, 2021. All proceeds will benefit the project’s ongoing events, programs and initiatives.

Marriage isn’t always easy, and neither is managing mental health. When things like anxiety, mood, impulse and substance abuse disorders are present in a relationship, it can be incredibly challenging. But, if we can navigate these things correctly, they can also bring about an even deeper connection and understanding of ourselves and each other. A mental health condition within a marriage can be managed if both partners have the skills and awareness to cope and communicate through challenges.

Chelsea Borruano is a fun, passion-driven woman who has dreams and is a “doer” who will put the pedal to the metal to make them come true. She graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, concentration in Advertising. Through NYU’s online program she just recently decided to pursue her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling (you go girl!). She has a twin sister and is professionally trained in improv with LATCo (holla, go peep our last blog!). She has also done some stand up comedy (ayyee)!

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and a local woman is using her anxiety and depression to help others going through the same struggles.

As much as social media conceals, it also reveals. Behind expertly edited photos, when people take to their feeds, they share pieces of themselves with their friends, family and audience, even if it is only slight. Usually, these digitally catalogued moments depict joyous times: weddings, anniversaries, holidays, birthdays. However, it’s no secret that there’s much more going on behind the scenes. Chelsea Borruano’s goal is to bring that to light.

COVID-19 forced many of us into self-isolation. In this isolated state, emotions can be heightened, and mental health can be gravely affected. A recent review in Psychology Today on the effects of quarantine on individuals points to increased confusion, anger, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and extended periods of grief, sometimes lasting even three years after the end of the quarantine. Stressors range anywhere from longer quarantine duration, inadequate information and supplies, and infection fears, to frustration, boredom, grief, financial loss and stigma.

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine Faces of Baton Rouge

Live video recording for WAFB morning show
​July 22, 2019 at 7:33 AM CDT - Updated July 22 at 7:33 AM
​www.wafb.com/video/2019/07/22/community-you-arent-alone-live-art-event/?fbclid=IwAR0NumSShLnm7qiGO5wUWA82d6xs4JG2ge0rZ3DdiIJAenuUpygQ86gYeM0

The You Aren’t Alone Project presents it's first Live Art Event, in partnership with Aetna Better Health Louisiana, on July 26 from 7-11 p.m. at Mid City Ballroom, 136 S Acadian Thruway, featuring a culmination of stories from people that are living with, or supporting someone living with, depression and anxiety all interpreted by local artists through visual and performance art⏤the pain, the loss, and the triumph.

The You Aren’t Alone Project is dedicated to forming support groups for mental health in the Baton Rouge community. The project aims to show what living with depression and anxiety looks like and to treat mental health in the same way as physical health.

Brian spoke with Chelsea Borruano to discuss the You Are Not Alone Project. The You Are Not Alone Project is a nonprofit organization focused on forming a social and physical support system for mental health in Baton Rouge. Chelsea talked about what the organization does and she explains what advancements they will make in the future. This project will kick off with a live art event held at Mid City Ballroom on July 26 from 7-11 p.m. Chelsea tells us that local artists will be there to interpret things such as depression and anxiety. They will also be working with behavioral health professionals to provide mental health resources. Hear the full interview here.

What is remarkable about depression is that even though it affects over 18% of our population (forty million adults a year), the experience itself is remarkably isolating.