Welcome back to *Mental Health Today*! Host Ken Stearns returns after a brief hiatus, bringing a powerful episode that delves deep into the world of mental health with two extraordinary guests, Kader Sakkaria and Jennifer McCarthy, the founders of Student Uplift. This conversation is a profound exploration of the crucial issue of mental health, especially concerning college students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ken begins by sharing his recent experience with equine therapy near the Mexican border, an endeavor inspired by his journey across 111 cities and 444 interviews, which underscored the urgent need for addressing mental health challenges in today's society. He sets the stage for a discussion that focuses on key facets of mental health: cost, education, stigma, and access.

Kader Sakkaria, one of the co-founders of Student Uplift, steps in to shed light on the initiative's genesis. He highlights how the pandemic, while undoubtedly challenging, has led to a silver lining—a decrease in the stigma surrounding mental health. Kader and Jennifer's commitment to this vital cause stems from their personal experiences with mental health struggles within their own families. Their mission is to create a platform that facilitates open, honest dialogues and provides tools to improve the mental well-being of college students.

Student Uplift's innovative approach revolves around delivering hyper-personalized content to students via their smartphones, offering guidance on sleep, nutrition, and mental health issues tailored to each individual's unique needs. Kader emphasizes that the ages between 18 and 24 are crucial for addressing mental health concerns, and Student Uplift aims to be a part of this critical journey for students, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need during this formative time.

Jennifer McCarthy, the CMO of Student Uplift, dives into the platform's essential components, emphasizing the importance of constant engagement and the development of positive habits. This tool's effectiveness lies in its ability to provide support throughout a student's academic journey, focusing not only on academics but also on holistic well-being. Moreover, universities and colleges benefit from the aggregated data Student Uplift provides, allowing them to monitor and address mental health challenges within their student populations effectively.

As the episode concludes, Ken expresses his gratitude for the inspiring insights shared by Kader and Jennifer. He recognizes the immense potential of Student Uplift and their dedication to creating a mentally healthier future generation. He extends an invitation for Kader and Jennifer to return to the podcast in a few months to provide an update on their progress and journey.

In summary, this episode is a profound exploration of the critical role technology plays in promoting mental health awareness and well-being among college students. Kader and Jennifer's dedication to improving the mental health landscape for young adults shines through in their mission and innovation. The episode highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns head-on, reducing stigma, and providing effective solutions to support students' overall well-being.

If you found this episode insightful and inspiring, please share it with your network and consider leaving a rating to help *Mental Health Today* reach a broader audience. Mental health is a conversation we should all participate in to drive positive change and support those in need.

For listeners interested in learning more about Student Uplift, visit their website at [studentuplift.com](https://www.studentuplift.com/), or reach out to Kader Sakkaria directly via email at [kader.sakkaria@studentuplift.com](mailto:kader.sakkaria@studentuplift.com). Don't miss this opportunity to discover an innovative platform that has the potential to transform the mental health landscape for college students.

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website:      https://www.thejar.live/about-mental-health-today-by-the-jar-foundation

Full episodes with video on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website:      https://www.mhtpodcast.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.