On Wednesday, cult beauty brand philosophy hosted its third annual hope and grace luncheon at Fig & Olive in West Hollywood. The event, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. A group of influential and inspiring women shared their struggles with mental health, each one doing her part to make this topic a widely discussed one. Among these women, Zelda Williams, the actress, and Lily Luo, representing Together Empowering Asian Minds. Every speaker moved her audience by sharing personal anecdotes of difficult times, and explaining how she began to feel better after suffering from mental illness.
Zelda Williams photographed by Michael Bezjian/WireImage
Attendees, including Michelle Trachtenberg, Rumer Willis and Rachel McCord, were encouraged to participate in the discussion by asking each other “how are you really?” in place of the generic “how are you?” The point of this exercise is to shine light on the superficial interest we take in others’ lives on a regular basis, when sometimes all a person needs is somebody to listen. If you’re inspired by this initiative, share your experience on social media using the hashtag #HowAreYouReally, and visit the philosophy website to learn more.
If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and disordered eating, visit NAMI.org, where you will find all the information and resources you need.