Mental Health Advocate Emily Torchiana Brings Powerful Message to DSU

“Nothing would be the same if you did not exist.”

Philadelphia native and mental health advocate Emily Torchiana shared that powerful message with DeSales students during a recent Character U keynote address. Torchiana is the founder of Lost Got Found, a nonprofit organization that works to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health.  

One in five people suffer from a mental illness. However, Torchiana clarified that five out of five people have mental health. By differentiating between the two, she noted that taking care of one’s mental health is something everyone should be doing. 

Torchiana’s own story involves everything from losing her best friend to cancer, to cyber bullying, to attempted suicide and sexual assault. She emphasized that anyone struggling is not alone. 

“Recovery is not linear,” she said. “People walk around with masks on to protect themselves. They do not want people to think they are dramatic or crazy for struggling.” 

People deal with trauma in different ways. Everyone has heard of fight or flight, but Torchiana added freeze into the mix, which she said is common when someone is in a situation that they can’t escape or fight. It’s the body’s way of protecting itself. But, Torchiana noted, that can make it difficult to cope with what actually happened. 

“We can’t heal what we don’t feel,” she said. 

Torchiana encouraged students who are struggling to reach out for help, and she clarified that therapy is not just for those with mental illness. She also urged the audience to be kind and to support and listen to others. Mental health is a lifelong journey, she said, but no one has to go through it alone.