Julie Eyerman

Tell us a little bit about yourself …

Hi! My name is Julie Eyerman. I recently turned 22 (my Taylor Swift year!) and I will be graduating

with my BA in Communications with an emphasis in Emerging Media and Technology in May 2023

from Vanguard University. I am also a General Music Minor and have been heavily involved with

our Music Department. (I’ve been in Choir all four years.) I am the eldest daughter in my family and

I have a younger sister and a younger brother. My family has a lot of pets... We have a cat, a dog, a

bunny, and two hens. I am passionate about the arts, cooking, leadership, the gym, the environment,

and mental health!

What’s your connection to Orange County?

I’ve lived in Orange County my whole life. My hometown is Costa Mesa. I worked at the OC Fair the

past few summers which has been a fun way to be involved in the community.

Share a little bit about your outlook on life …

It’s difficult not to get wrapped up in all the crazy events that happen in our world. I aim to be an

optimist in a world that is often pessimistic. Especially because I attend a Christian college, I try to

remind my friends that it isn’t bad to have Jesus and a therapist. Talking about what you’re going

through is the only way you’re going to get through it which is why I talk about mental health with

my friends so openly and encourage them to do the same. I’ve found that personally when I go to

God first, things work out better in the end.

What’s your favorite book?

My favorite book that I’ve read in its entirety would have to be The Fault in our Stars by John Green

or Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur. I’m currently attempting to get through the Bible in a year so that’s

what I’m currently reading.

What’s your favorite self-care activity?

I love going to the gym and going on walks or a run to get coffee while blasting music. It really helps

me to clear my mind and I can be active at the same time.

What drew you to being involved with community mental health work or advocacy?

I am known as “the therapist friend” among my friend groups as I can get people to open up about

what’s going on in their lives, both good and bad. I advocate often on my social media accounts for

better mental health resources and awareness so that we can diminish or completely remove the

stigmas that surround mental health. I often encourage my friends to use resources like therapy

and talk to friends and family about their "small" problems as this is one of the first steps in erasing

the stigmas that surround mental health. I try to talk about self-care and mental health often on my

social media accounts and with my peers in our everyday conversations as I believe that making a

big change starts small in your own community. I recently joined a club at my university called

"Mindful Roots" and I've enjoyed the conversations we have regarding how to improve the overall

well-being of our campus.

What is your preferred art medium (for example: writing, drawing, painting, graphic design,

etc.)?

I love all forms of art, whether it’s visual, performing, or written so it is hard to pick just one

medium. I love painting, drawing, graphic design, acting, singing, you name it... I’d probably have to

say songwriting and writing poetry are my favorites lately as they have both been rather fulfilling

creative outlets.

What drew you to your preferred art medium?

I started songwriting and writing poetry in 2015 but I never allowed my writing to see the light of

day until very recently. I’ve gotten a few poems of mine published in my university’s literary journal

called Synecdoche and for my Senior Project, I am filming myself reading my poetry on Instagram.

This project has really gotten me out of my comfort zone. I know I am my harshest critic but I’ve

learned that everyone starts somewhere and overtime, you can master your craft.

What role have the arts played in your life, especially your mental health?

The arts have played a huge part in my life. Though my creative endeavors usually involve a little

bit of stress, I go to the arts for stress relief. Whether it’s watching a musical, singing, painting, or

writing, being artistic helps me to unwind.

What do you think Orange County can do more of to help reduce the stigma surrounding

mental health?

As a community, I think we just need to talk about mental health more often. The stigmas around

the topic can only be reduced or potentially eliminated entirely if we encourage others to have

more open conversations about mental health.

Why do you think youth/young adults should attend community mental health events, like

those hosted by Connect-OC?

I think it would be beneficial for youth/young adults to attend mental health events to learn about

the resources at their disposal. Because there are so many options when it comes to seeking help or

starting therapy, people may feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Connect-OC has the

ability to make these resources not only known to this demographic but accessible as well