World Mental Health Day: Reflecting back on the Tokyo Olympics

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too. So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.” – Simone Biles

For many people, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics feel like they occurred ages ago. However, among the stories of victory and defeat, one thread must not fade with time—the focus on mental health. In honor of World Mental Health Day, we would like to share the thoughts one of our founders wrote down around the time.

Listening to Simone Biles and Michael Phelps during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics bluntly talk about mental health made me so hopeful. Both athletes have a platform to launch this difficult conversation. Simone and Michael have achieved the highest levels within their sports, enduring the highs and lows that come with their success. Their courage will make a difference. All of us have been touched personally by emotional and mental health, but few of us have the ability to truly change the dialogue. 

The Layered Onion plans to augment the efforts of those coming forward to talk about mental and emotional health by supporting artists with a marketplace that meets us where we are at. Eliminating barriers that make sharing paintings, dance, stories, music, photography, graphic art, and mixed media, examples of our collective creative expression, will also draw back the curtains. 

Additionally, we encourage all those that control creative content that discusses mental and emotional health to use content from those in our marketplace with lived experience. A stock photo, a graphic element or a photograph originated by an artist with mental and emotional health understanding will lend credibility and respect to our artists. Please contact us at helpthelayeredonion@gmail.com if you want to support our work.