Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaalisa Banks
Hi Jaalisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Jaa’Lisa Mechelle Banks is a dynamic Mental Health Advocate and Model with a powerful mission. She has seamlessly merged the realms of influencing and advocacy to create a brand deeply rooted in all aspects of mental illness. Personally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD, Jaa’Lisa speaks candidly about her journey on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Her transparency and relatability resonate with many, as she continuously works to destigmatize mental health issues and promote awareness through current trends and engaging content.
Jaa’Lisa’s passion for mental wellness advocacy has driven her to seek systemic change, particularly in healthcare policies affecting mental health. Recognizing that real transformation starts at the grassroots level, she has immersed herself in local politics. Her active involvement with the Democratic Party includes a tenure as Communications Director, where she was instrumental in shaping strategies and operations for Democratic candidates in Tarrant County. Jaa’Lisa has highlighted critical issues within governmental systems that impact public well-being. Her dedication to voter education and candidate recruitment underscores her commitment to fostering an informed and engaged electorate. Jaa’Lisa is steadfast in her support of the National Democratic Party’s vision and continues to contribute meaningfully to its goals.
Beyond her advocacy, Jaa’Lisa is a devoted mother of five, raising her children with her life partner. Recently, she experienced a groundbreaking revelation while emerging from a bipolar episode, which has further fueled her determination and deepened her understanding of mental health.
Jaa’Lisa is also a published author, having written the children’s book “Everything Changed After the Baby,” which guides kids through understanding their moms’ postpartum depression. She plans to expand this into a series explaining various mental health diagnoses to children, continuing her mission of education and awareness from a young age.
In addition to her written work, Jaa’Lisa hosts a mental health podcast with over 7,000 views, where she discusses a wide range of topics related to mental health, shares personal stories, and invites guest experts to provide insights and advice.
Jaa’Lisa Mechelle Banks continues to inspire and make a profound impact, using her platform to champion mental health awareness and advocate for meaningful change in society.
Jaa’Lisa Mechelle Banks is a passionate Mental Health Advocate and Model. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD, she openly shares her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, working to destigmatize mental health issues and raise awareness through engaging content.
Driven by her commitment to mental wellness, Jaa’Lisa has delved into policy change, focusing on healthcare improvements for mental health. Her involvement with the Democratic Party includes serving as Communications Director for Democratic candidates in Tarrant County, where she utilized her social media expertise to highlight critical issues and promote voter education and candidate recruitment.
As a dedicated mother of five, Jaa’Lisa balances her advocacy work with family life, raising her children alongside her life partner. A recent revelation during a bipolar episode has deepened her understanding and fueled her dedication to her mission.
Jaa’Lisa is also an author, having written “Everything Changed After the Baby,” a children’s book that helps kids understand their moms’ postpartum depression. She plans to expand this into a series explaining various mental health diagnoses to children. Additionally, she hosts a mental health podcast with over 7,000 views, where she discusses mental health topics and shares personal stories. Jaa’Lisa is a workshop host at the annual NAMI Texas Convention in El Paso, TX, where she will teach a workshop titled “Empowering Voices: Navigating Mental Health Advocacy and Policy Change”. She is also working on a published article for the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
In her personal time, Jaa’Lisa enjoys traveling, baking, and spending cherished moments with her partner. Her multifaceted efforts continue to inspire and drive meaningful change in mental health awareness and advocacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. Most of the struggles have been the judgement I have received through each phase of sharing my story online, no matter how raw, real, or true it was.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m Jaa’Lisa Mechelle Banks, and I am a Mental Health Advocate and Model. My work and passion lie in influencing and advocating for mental health awareness. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD, I openly share my journey on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to destigmatize mental health issues and raise awareness.
Specializing in mental wellness advocacy, I focus on driving systemic change, particularly in healthcare policies affecting mental health. My involvement with the Democratic Party as Communications Director for Tarrant County has allowed me to highlight critical issues, promote voter education, and support candidate recruitment.
I am also a published author, having written “Everything Changed After the Baby,” a children’s book that helps kids understand their moms’ postpartum depression. I plan to expand this into a series explaining various mental health diagnoses to children. Additionally, I host a mental health podcast with over 7,000 views, discussing a wide range of topics and sharing personal stories.
What sets me apart is my transparency and relatability, which resonate deeply with my audience. I am most proud of the impact I’ve made in mental health advocacy, using my platform to inspire and drive meaningful change. Balancing my advocacy work with raising five children alongside my life partner, I strive to make a profound impact on society while cherishing my family life.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid-19 was the most peaceful and still time of my life. My ex was an essential worker and it was the height of when he had his affairs, unbeknownst to me at the time, which yielded me alone with my kids for the majority of quarantine. I was able to bond with my kids, stay home in my safe space, away from people and places that I did not feel safe in in Minnesota. I was there during the George Floyd protests and it was a crazy, unpredictable environment to subject myself to. I was grateful to be able to stay home, baking and cooking for my neighbors, and working on writing novels and photojournaling. The biggest lesson I learned was how to preserve my energy and that I am a true introvert who thoroughly enjoys staying at home. When everyone was complaining about being locked up, I was actually in Heaven.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq6SX57vL-LSQbpFgiYG9zg
- Instagram: prettyplantyogimami
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamyourprettiestproblem
Image Credits
ArtCash Photography, Oh Snap Photography
