We recently connected with Kristi Roberts and have shared our conversation below.
Kristi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment in my life was at my son’s funeral. Many people may not have known how he passed, but when I stood to speak, I knew I had to share the truth—that he lost his battle with depression and he died by suicide. In that moment, I urged anyone who is struggling to reach out for help and reminded others to check on their loved ones. It became clear to me how important it is to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Becoming the CEO/Founder of Behind the Smiles was born from my own personal journey and the heartbreaking loss of my son, Darius, to suicide. Behind the Smiles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Our mission is to provide support and resources to those battling mental health challenges, aiming to intervene and offer help before individuals reach a point of despair.
One of our signature initiatives is the Gift of Therapy program, which sponsors three free therapy sessions for two individuals each year, ages 18-30, with a therapist of their choice or from our directory. What sets us apart is our proactive approach to breaking the stigma and ensuring individuals receive the support they need early on..
I am most proud of knowing that our work has made a difference in someone’s life, and I’m deeply honored to host our annual Mental Health Community Day. This event brings together like-minded organizations and showcases various therapeutic options, including art, music, pet therapy, and more, fostering healing and connection within our community.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was believing that strength meant handling everything on my own without seeking help. I was so accustomed to managing everything independently, thinking it was the only way to show resilience.
Losing my son, Darius, to suicide was a life-altering moment that forced me to challenge this mindset. I realized that bearing the weight of my struggles in silence wasn’t strength; it only led to loneliness.
Through therapy and connecting with others, I discovered that true strength lies in acknowledging pain and seeking support when needed. This shift not only helped me heal but also inspired the mission of Behind the Smiles, where we encourage others to reach out before it feels too late.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Empathy is one of the most important factors for succeeding in the field of mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. This work requires a genuine understanding of others’ pain and the ability to connect with people on a human level. Building trust, offering support, and creating safe spaces for individuals to open up are all rooted in empathy.
To make a more direct impact, I became a crisis counselor, allowing me to provide immediate support to those in their most vulnerable moments. Success in this field also demands adaptability and patience, as every individual’s journey is unique and may require different approaches.
By approaching each situation with compassion and a willingness to listen, we can create meaningful change and truly support those who need it most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behindthesmilesfoundation.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindthesmilesfoundation/
- Linkedin: Behiondthesmilesfoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheSmilesTheDariusRobert
Image Credits
TNZ Photography