Organizational Spotlight: Supporting Smiles

Most would rather hide under the covers during a sad time of life. However, Kaitlyn Vail, a high school student whose psychological health was suffering due to emotional and mental abuse, decided to create “Supporting Smiles” with hopes to educate and support others who are struggling with mental health.

Using social media platforms, she began to educate her peers regarding issues surrounding mental health. Kaitlyn stated that she wants others to know they are not alone in their struggles. As a result, she feels it is crucial to share what she and her research team have learned.

Supporting Smiles has a team of 50 divided among researchers, designers, illustrators, social media (including Tik Tok), and outreach. This community creates content on unconventional and less accepted topics. These include schizophrenia, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, and dissociative identity disorders. Kaitlyn and her team have also learned to identify others who exhibit traits like gaslighting and burnouts. She also likes to collaborate with similar organizations and host mental health webinars.

Supporting Smiles is looking forward to their podcasts and IGTV series. Their podcast will discuss information on self-care and personal stress. The IGTV series brings together a diverse group to share their personal stories of mental health and illness. Be sure to be on the lookout for these upcoming current and past projects by following them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Linktree.

Kaitlyn and her group welcome new members to help spread their mission. Get involved or perhaps inquire about their work through direct message and social media platforms. The time has come to heal our souls, collaborate with like-minded people and educate each other in a “stress-free” environment.