Mandy Teefey: A Beacon of Hope in Mental Health Advocacy
Mandy Teefey, widely recognized as the mother of pop sensation Selena Gomez, is much more than just a celebrity parent. She is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to improving emotional well-being and fostering resilience in individuals and families. With her own experiences of living with ADHD and her daughter’s journey with bipolar disorder, Teefey has become a powerful voice in the mental health community, striving to educate and empower others.
The Birth of Wondermind
In 2022, Teefey took a significant step in her advocacy by co-founding Wondermind, a mental health media startup, alongside her daughter Selena. This initiative was born out of a shared desire to create an "ecosystem" for mental health care, providing resources and support for those navigating their mental health journeys. Teefey and Gomez recognized a gap in accessible mental health education, particularly for families dealing with similar challenges. As Teefey explains, “As we’re talking, we’re like, wow, there’s nowhere to really go,” highlighting the need for a dedicated platform to address mental health issues.
A Personal Journey with Mental Health
Both Teefey and Gomez have been candid about their mental health struggles, using their platforms to destigmatize these conversations. Gomez publicly shared her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2020 and explored her mental health journey in the documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me. Teefey, too, has opened up about her experiences with ADHD and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing these conditions.
In an interview, Teefey reflected on the challenges of navigating mental health as a parent in the public eye. She noted the pressures that come with fame and the unique difficulties of addressing mental health issues within a family dynamic. This understanding has fueled her commitment to providing education and resources through Wondermind, aiming to help families find their way through the complexities of mental health.
Education is Key
Teefey firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of effective mental health management. She encourages parents to learn as much as possible about their child’s mental health challenges. Drawing from her own experiences, she recounted how she helped Gomez confront her childhood fears of tornadoes by encouraging her to learn everything about them. This proactive approach not only alleviated fear but also empowered Gomez with knowledge.
Teefey emphasizes that understanding mental health conditions is akin to managing physical health issues. “When you’re not fully educated on something, it’s scarier, and it’s more intimidating,” she explains. By reading books and conducting research on bipolar disorder, Teefey was able to have informed conversations with her daughter, tailoring her parenting approach to meet Gomez’s unique needs.
Modeling Self-Care
In addition to education, Teefey advocates for the normalization of self-care and emotional processing. Since launching Wondermind, she has developed a personal wellness routine that she believes is essential for maintaining mental fitness. Teefey starts her day at 4 a.m., allowing herself time to engage in a calm and reflective morning routine. This includes meditation, reading, and journaling—activities that help her manage anxiety and ADHD.
“I get up and I do everything at a very glacial pace and just enjoy my time,” she shares. This mindful approach to her mornings sets a positive tone for the rest of her day. Teefey also emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from technology, choosing not to check her phone until later in the morning. This practice allows her to center herself before diving into the chaos of daily life.
Teefey’s message to parents is clear: taking time for self-care is not only beneficial but necessary. “It’s okay to take the 15 minutes or the 20 minutes,” she reassures, reminding parents that their responsibilities will still be there when they return. By prioritizing their own mental health, parents can better support their children.
Conclusion
Mandy Teefey’s journey as a mental health advocate is a testament to the power of education, self-care, and open dialogue. Through her work with Wondermind and her candid discussions about her family’s experiences, she is helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Teefey’s commitment to improving emotional well-being for families is not just inspiring; it is a vital contribution to a society that desperately needs more resources and understanding in the realm of mental health.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, Teefey’s insights serve as a guiding light for parents and individuals alike, reminding us that knowledge, compassion, and self-care are essential tools in the journey toward mental wellness.
