As the founder of Vikara Village, I am often asked why I started this nonprofit. I wanted to offer a safe place for those seeking alternative and complementary mental health resources to find them.
The answer is simple - yoga saved my life.
Our Founder, Hannah Davis, offering a safe touch assist with a client.
Our Founder's Story
Growing up I had to be the best. I was striving for perfection at everything I did. Straight A's, top cookie seller, perfect daughter/girlfriend/sister/friend.
Striving for perfection left me anxious and depressed. I was stressed and tired and didn't know why. I pushed forward until the moment it all came crashing down. I graduated from college with no job in my field, heartbroken and unsure of what was next.
I was exhausted and looking for a way to escape. I began self-medicating, going to therapy, taking meds and looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
Finding Mind-Body Practices
To help stretch my body, I wandered into a free yoga class. I left feeling light, buoyant and clear-headed. Something I'd never experienced! On my mat I learned to be present, take up space and to be still.
My self-medicating became downward facing dog and tree pose!
Vikara Village Exists to Help People
Vikara Village exists to provide an alternative and complement to traditional mental health resources. While talk therapy is helpful, it unfortunately may not work for everyone.
Expressive arts like visual arts, music, dance and movement are powerful tools. They help our social, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. This is true, especially when talk therapy has been unsuccessful.
We use the communal spirit of mind-body practices, like movement and the arts to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Depression and anxiety are on the rise in young people
It's estimated 3.1 million adolescents had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That's 12.5% of the US population aged 12-17. Nearly 60% of those dealing with depression went unnoticed. Therefore, receiving no treatment for their Major Depressive Disorder.
When you're not in treatment, you may seek ways to cope with what you're feeling. Drinking, drugs, and even early sex, may be ways to help deal with your stress. These self-destructive behaviors are dangerous and only provide temporary solutions to feeling better.
Yoga is a powerful tool
Harvard Medical School found high school students participating in a 10-week program were better equipped to deal with life's ups and downs. Another Harvard study found yoga improved depression and anxiety and increased overall well-being.
As we closeout this year's Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought it was important to share why we exist. Vikara Village helps clients deal with life's ups and downs through yoga and the arts. We're offering a better way - we help our clients develop a healthy sense of self, community and belonging.
I know this because I've experienced it first-hand. This healthy alternative saved my life - through Vikara Village, we hope to save others too.
Can you join us in this movement by making a donation today? Donate Today