Mental Health Advocacy: How One TBG Employee is Leading the Charge

September 4th, 2024

At The Bonadio Group, we are proud to highlight the achievements of our talented team members who make a difference both within and beyond our firm. One such individual is Caleb Munski, Efficiency Center Coordinator within our Assurance Service Line, who has channeled his passion for mental health advocacy into a powerful initiative known as Make Mental, LLC.

Understanding the Impact of Mental Health

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are widespread, affecting millions of people globally. These challenges can deeply influence every aspect of life, from personal relationships to daily routines and productivity. In the accounting industry, where the pressures of deadlines, client demands, and complex regulations are ever-present, mental health is particularly critical. Caleb has witnessed firsthand how these struggles can ripple through communities, emphasizing, “Mental health challenges don’t just impact individuals—they affect everyone around them, altering the fabric of our social interactions and well-being.” At The Bonadio Group, we understand the importance of supporting our team members’ mental health, and Caleb’s work is a powerful testament to that commitment.

The Birth of Make Mental, LLC

In early 2021, Caleb noticed that both he and those around him were grappling with the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were all struggling and didn’t want to admit it,” Caleb recalls. This realization sparked a desire in him to create something that could help others. “As a leader in my community, I felt compelled to make a difference—not just for others, but for myself too.”

With this drive, Caleb founded Make Mental, LLC, a platform dedicated to promoting mental well-being through storytelling, community, and healing. The initiative was born from a simple yet powerful idea: sharing personal experiences can inspire others to seek help and find healing. “After noticing the benefits of therapy in my own life, I began sharing my story with friends. When they told me it helped them seek help, I realized how powerful vulnerability can be,” Caleb shares.

Mental health advocacy article

Make Mental, LLC, quickly grew into a movement that has now reached over 500,000 people across 22 countries. Through podcasts, workshops, and keynote speeches at universities and conferences, Make Mental provides resources and support to those who need it most.

Stories That Inspire and Heal

One of the core elements of Make Mental, LLC. is the power of storytelling. By sharing personal stories, Caleb and his team aim to normalize discussions around mental health. In a recent episode of the Make Mental Podcast, Swiss Olympic athlete Celia Dupre opened up about her struggle with orthorexia, an eating disorder marked by an obsession with healthy eating and fitness. “I knew something was amiss in my relationship with food for quite some time,” Celia shared. “It wasn’t until I sought the guidance of a therapist that I was able to start my journey of healing.”

Celia’s story is a testament to the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues. Her ability to overcome her challenges and finish 4th at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience that can be achieved when we prioritize our mental well-being.

Empowering Individuals to Prioritize Their Well-Being

Caleb’s message through Make Mental, LLC, is clear: prioritizing your mental health is essential for personal growth and well-being. “By dedicating effort to becoming the best version of yourself, you create a profound and positive impact in every area of your life,” he advises. The resources offered by Make Mental, whether through podcast episodes or self-help toolkits, are designed to help individuals navigate their mental health journeys.

Each story shared through Make Mental is a unique narrative that sheds light on different aspects of mental health. By engaging with these stories, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own experiences and challenges, as well as learn from the experiences of others. “Investing in self-awareness and empathy allows you to navigate life’s challenges more effectively,” Caleb emphasizes.

A Community of Support and Growth

The Make Mental community is built on the principles of learning, growth, and mutual support. By engaging with the resources and insights provided, individuals are empowered to take control of their mental health and foster a more supportive environment in their own lives. “Embrace the opportunity to leverage these insights to drive positive change in all aspects of your life,” Caleb encourages.

At TBG, we celebrate Caleb’s dedication to mental health advocacy and are proud to support his mission with Make Mental, LLC!

If you’d like to check out more employee stories, take a look at our Life at Bonadio Blog! And if you are interested in finding out what a career at TBG could look like for you, reach out today or explore current openings here.