By Tammy Reese | Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 10:00 AM ET
Suicide Prevention Month was in September, but the conversation is vital year-round. Katisha Jallow — a retired Army veteran, mental health advocate, and founder of Los Angeles-based K Luv Culture — reminds us of the ongoing importance of mental health support. With 23 years of military service and experience as a Veteran Rehabilitation Specialist, Katisha has made it her mission to guide veterans and artists alike through the challenges of mental well-being. Through her work with the California Suicide Prevention Network and her role as a talent agent, she continues to break down stigma, build compassionate communities, and inspire resilience, highlighting that mental health awareness is a journey we must all take together.
How has your experience as a Veteran and mental health advocate shaped your approach to suicide prevention?
My experience as a Veteran and mental health advocate has shown me the importance of empathy and real connections. Serving in the military and witnessing the challenges Veterans face made me realize how critical it is to support mental health openly and without judgment. I’m especially focused on creating safe spaces for people to share their struggles, feel seen, and connect with resources. It’s all about letting people know they’re not alone and that their struggles are valid and deserve attention.
How can we, as a society, reduce the stigma around mental health, especially for those in high-pressure industries like music or the military?
Reducing the stigma starts with open conversations. We need to normalize talking about mental health as naturally as we do physical health. High-pressure industries like music and the military can sometimes discourage vulnerability, but it’s crucial that we promote mental health as strength. Encouraging leaders in these fields to speak up about their own mental health challenges can help create a culture of acceptance and support, where asking for help is respected and encouraged.
As a music talent agent and mental health advocate, how do you balance the pressures of both industries while ensuring your own mental well-being?
It’s definitely a balancing act! For me, self-care is key. I make sure to set boundaries, especially when the workload gets intense, and I lean on my support system, whether it’s family, friends, or fellow Veterans. Being mindful about taking breaks and practicing routines that keep me grounded is important. I also stay connected to my purpose in both fields, which gives me energy and reminds me why I started. Helping others with their mental health journey is a reminder for me to take care of my own well-being, too.
In your experience with K Luv Culture, how do you see the intersection of creativity and mental health, and how can we support artists who may be struggling emotionally?
At K Luv Culture, I see firsthand how creativity is both an expression and an outlet for emotional struggles. Artists often channel their personal experiences and emotions into their work, which is powerful, but it can also be draining. Supporting artists emotionally means acknowledging their mental health as part of their creative journey. We need to provide resources, from therapy options to wellness programs, and create a culture where they feel supported both as creators and as individuals with personal needs.
What message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with someone who may be feeling hopeless or considering suicide?
To anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed or alone, know that your life has immense value, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. Sometimes it’s hard to see a way forward, but there are people who care deeply about you and want to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out — it’s okay to ask for support. Your feelings are valid, and with time, things can improve. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there is hope, even if it’s hard to see in the moment.
Follow online:
Website: https://kluvculture.com/about/
Instagram: @katishajallow
About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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