Messina Partners with Charity for Veterans: Empowering Mental Health Awareness

Pop artist Messina, known for her music that touches on mental health, resilience, and self-empowerment, has announced a new partnership with a veterans’ mental health charity to raise awareness for the unique challenges veterans face. Messina, a U.S. Army veteran herself, is using her platform to highlight the mental health struggles within the military community, particularly focusing on PTSD and the alarming rate of suicide among veterans.

This new initiative, in collaboration with LGBTQ VSAP, is aimed at providing resources, support, and awareness to veterans and their families, helping to break the stigma around mental health in the military. As someone who has lived through these experiences, Messina’s involvement brings an authentic and personal voice to the cause.

Personal Experience as a Veteran

Messina’s commitment to this cause stems from her own military background and the mental health challenges she has faced. As a U.S. Army Reservist, Messina experienced the pressures of military life firsthand, including the emotional toll that comes with it. After struggling with her own mental health, including bouts of severe depression and multiple suicide attempts, Messina found that very few people in her community were openly talking about the mental health challenges faced by veterans.

“I know what it’s like to feel lost and alone, especially when you’re supposed to be ‘tough’ and hold everything in,” Messina says. “It’s easy to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but in reality, it’s the strongest thing you can do.”

Her lived experience gives her a unique perspective that resonates deeply with other veterans. Through her partnership with the charity, Messina hopes to help destigmatize mental health struggles within the military, particularly for LGBTQ veterans, who often face additional barriers when seeking support.

Advocacy Through Music and Outreach

Music has always been a source of healing for Messina, and it continues to play a major role in her advocacy efforts. Many of her songs, including “No Longer Wasted,” reflect her personal struggles with mental health and her journey to recovery. Her music has become an anthem for those dealing with similar challenges, and it serves as a reminder that healing is possible.

In addition to raising awareness through her songs, Messina plans to work closely with the charity to host events, offer peer support, and connect veterans with mental health professionals. These events will serve as safe spaces for veterans to share their stories, receive guidance, and find community.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the key goals of this partnership is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in the military. Far too often, veterans are discouraged from seeking help due to the “toughness” culture ingrained in military service. Messina’s message is clear: mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is one of the bravest things a person can do.

By partnering with LGBTQ VSAP, Messina hopes to reach a wider audience, particularly younger veterans who may feel isolated or unsure of where to turn. The charity will provide access to mental health resources, support groups, and therapy, helping veterans navigate their mental health challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Messina encourages veterans and their families to seek help and start conversations about mental health. Visit LGBTQ VSAP to learn more about available resources, or follow Messina on Instagram @jennifercmessina for updates on her mental health advocacy and music. Let’s work together to break the stigma and support our veterans in the fight for mental health awareness.