We recently had the chance to connect with Jamie Rockymore-Bess and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Next year I am launching a crowdfunding campaign. Prior years, I was afraid because I wasn’t sure if anyone was going to hear me, or if anyone thought that there was meaning behind the purpose of Helpful Living. But this year, I am intentional about planning and using the platform to help people with their mental health and wellness.
The only to see the outcome of something you want, is to try it out. Do I know what will happen during the crowdfunding launch, no. However, I am willing to speak loud, spread the word and continue to use the platform to help people speak their truth. Helpful Living is about letting others know there are resources in communities whether in person or online that want to help others end the stigma on mental health.
In times like today, with so much uncertainty its vital to know our mental health matters, YOUR mental health matters and we have to continue to be bold about sharing our challenges and successes so individuals know they are not alone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Jamie Rockymore-Bess is the founder of Helpful Living Magazine. She gained interest in mental health during her senior year in high school. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Clarion University, with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. She pursued her career in mental health by working at a psychiatric facility, as a Mental Health Worker. After getting a promotion a little after a year Jamie gained more experience with the mental health population. She became a Discharge Coordinator which allowed her to have extensive one on one conversations with patients, as they worked together on treatment plans. She continued her education and pursued a Master’s Degree in Communications. During her graduate degree she learned the fundamental elements of different communication styles and how to become effective with patients as well as with her personal growth.
After graduating with her master’s degree, she founded Helpful Living Magazine. A magazine that is solely about mental health. Her goal is to create a platform for people to express their mental health journey, while helping others who struggle or are uneducated about mental health. This magazine also gives health care providers, natural supporters, and organizations a voice as they discuss their expertise in mental wellness. Helpful Living Magazine has reached in counties outside of The United States, Canada, Turkey, Africa and in The United Kingdom.
In May of 2022 Jamie presented Let’s Talk Mental Health, a virtual speaking experience for the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Later that month she spoke to a group of youth discussing titled Youth and Mental Health. She continued in 2024 with speaking engagements, where she had 3 presentations, “The Virtual Summit”, her presentation titled Identifying Support Systems in Your Life “The Work Life Balance Summit,” where she guided the audience virtually with her presentation Scheduling A Mental Health Day. She also did an in person speaking event, titled Identifying Your Support Systems In Your Life, and had a group discussion about mental health in the community.
Earlier in 2024 Jamie launched her journal titled “Me Time,” and her podcast “Going Thru w/Jamie”. She continues to create spaces and products for people to learn about mental health and to start the conversation. Her goal is to End The Stigma One Issue At A Time and she is doing so by being intentional in spreading awareness. She is growing and has a reach of over 15k and is looking to enhance that more by the end of the year!
She now hosts a community blog for other writers to express their thoughts on mental health, and she recently changed from Helpful Living Magazine to Helpful Living. She wants to go beyond the magazine and expand by making mental health a hub and a safe space where people can come and not only express themselves about mental health but receive the educational support that is so desperately needed during these uncertain times.
She has also been featured on local radio stations, 92.1fm, 89.9fm and in The Baltimore Times. Jamie continues to open the door for individuals to be comfortable talking about mental health and bringing awareness to communities and business all over The United States.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I started working at a psychiatric hospital in 2009, it was an eye opening experience. I completed my undergrad in psychology with a minor in sociology, therefore I read a lot of cases pertaining to what I witness. The cases I read versus what I saw was similar but it opened my eyes to seeing the need when it came to mental health. There were some families who were used to the process of going into a hospital setting, meeting with a psychiatrist and mental health treatment team, and then there were some families who were terrified, and it showed.
They didn’t know what to expect and they relied on false representation to determine how treatment was going to be for their loved ones. I recall a time when I went to cash my check at the bank and the banker noticed where my check came from and she made a face and stated, “you work there?”. I didn’t know what to say at first but it was a reminder that psychiatric hospitals and the stigma on mental health was loud and clear.
This help me shaped how I viewed the world, I knew a difference needed to be made and that people who are hospitalized or have to see a psychiatrist is not always displayed fair, and that is issue I do not take lightly.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of speaking up and using my voice has held me back most of my life. Growing up my voice was not often heard, if I had an opinion it didn’t matter because “I was a child,” and this hinder my growth. If I didn’t understand something I wouldn’t say anything. I would try to figure it out on my own, and with that I learned to not ask for help. Which doesn’t benefit anyone I am a strong believer that if someone needs help, asking should not be the last thing they should do.
There are so many missed opportuities in not speaking up, in being timid or afraid of the outcome of someone’s response. Now as an adult I understand the value of gaining clarity in order to move forward in life, and I instill that in my children as well.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to ending the stigma on mental health. There are so many people who are hurting and can relate but refuse to get services because of how it is perceived. As a founder of a mental health and wellness magazine, I get it, I witnessed people’s life change and do a 180 all because they took the initiative to get the help they need.
We all have mental health and I believe the pandemic was a wake up call for a lot of us. We all can relate to needing personal time, using coping skills and mindfulness activities in this world. There is so much noise and distractions that it can lead us to not take care of ourselves. I often say we are one tragedy away from needing help, and that can look different for so many people.
In what we are facing today with politics and the federal shut down it’s evident that people are having challenges and knowing that it is okay to not be okay can help someone seek the information and help they need to get by. I will continue to push the importance of mental health and wellness and educate others because dying by suicide is at a high rate and there are so many people who feel alone. It’s time to change the narrative and I am committed to do so, no matter how long it takes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Growing up especially in college and early in my young adulthood I regret not living more. I was so focused on surviving, making sure bills were paid and that I had reliable transportation to work. I was on go mode all the time that I missed out on the fun things in life. Now that is not to say that I can’t do it now, but now with children there’s just an extra step I have to take into consideration. However, I believe I would have enjoyed life more by going out to events, festivals, getting to know people and growing in the environment I was in.
I am still learning how to do that today, but again it has it challenges when you have to navigate schedules and sacrifice my time with other activities within our family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HelpfulLivingMag.com
- Instagram: @HelpfulLivingMag
- Linkedin: Jamie Rockymore
- Facebook: Helpful Living Magazine
- Other: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-thru-w-jamie/id1725657145
Image Credits
Belle Imagery
