P.S. I Love You, Episode #97

Today’s guests are Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma, Co-Founders and Directors of P.S. I Love You Day. They created P.S. I Love You Day after they lost their father to suicide. Brooke recalls her father saying, “I love you” the day he died, to which she responded “I love you” back. With the help of her high school classmates and family, she created PS I Love You Day.

P.S. I Love You Day seeks to bring awareness to mental health and decrease bullying. Participants are asked to wear purple, stand up against bullying, help end depression, and work to prevent suicide. The hope is to walk around your community and see a sea of purple. P.S. I Love You Day is about making others feel special, loved, and reminded that they’re not alone. Listen in for some great takeaways about how Brooke and Jaimie turned a family tragedy into a mission to help others.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

  • Why Jaimie and Brooke founded P.S. I Love You Day [3:04]
  • The ultimate goal of P.S. I Love You Day [5:41]
  • How they measure the impact of their organization [8:28]
  • The significance of the color purple [11:06]
  • How their work has impacted them personally [13:06]
  • What it means to never be alone [17:56]
  • The evolution of the mental health conversation [21:06]
  • Brooke and Jaimie’s advice for someone who needs help [26:00]
  • How to get involved with P.S. I Love You Day [29:37]
  • What’s next for Brooke, Jaimie, and PS I Love You Day [32:22]
  • What Brooke and Jaimie did that brought them joy [35:08]

The ultimate goal of P.S. I Love You Day

The goal of P.S. I Love You Day is to get people talking about mental health. The stigma needs to be removed. People need to know that help exists and they can seek it out. Everyone needs to be reminded that mental health is just as important as physical health. Brooke and Jaimie want to empower youth to participate in mindfulness activities, start conversations, and spread kindness. It’s evolved from honoring their father to schools and businesses launching week-long events.

What it means to never be alone

Brooke and Jaimie want people to know they have a support system around them. Your family members are there for you. Your coworkers are there for you. Your friends are there for you. There are people in your life that will lead you to help. When you’re surrounded by people wearing purple, it means that no matter who is around you, they’re there to help you.

But you’ll have to convince yourself that they’re there for you. You have to advocate for yourself and others, boost support from family and friends, and seek care (ABCs). Allow the people you love to advocate for you. If you’re in a tough spot, remember that there is hope and help.

The evolution of the mental health conversation

It’s amazing to see how far the conversation has come—but there’s so much left to do. It used to be taboo to discuss suicide and mental health. Those conversations were shoved under the rug. Now, 12 years later, people are openly sharing when they’re struggling with their mental health.

Social media has allowed Brooke and Jaimie to share their story and create vulnerability around the topic. If you’re willing to share your stories, you can make a difference. You can make someone else feel like they’re not alone.

Brooke and Jaimie’s advice for someone who needs help

What should you do if you’re struggling? Focus on getting better. Find a local therapist. Text or call a crisis line. Reach out to someone you know who can check in on you and help you through a challenge.

What else can you do? Brooke has been writing in a gratitude journal every day, which has allowed her to switch her mindset. There are moments throughout the day that can bring joy. Take a moment to reflect on those things.

Write positive affirmations and hang them around your home, somewhere that you’ll see them often. Above all, remember that it’s going to be okay.

How can you get involved with P.S. I Love You Day? Listen to this episode of the Mitlin Money Mindset™ to learn more about this wonderful organization.

If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal ideation, Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor or call 988. 

Connect with Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma

Bio

Brooke is the co-founder and director of P.S. I Love You Day, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She is also a Reporter and Booking Producer for Yahoo Finance, covering the food sector and mental health. She graduated magna cum laude from Marist College where she studied journalism, public relations and political Science.

Jaimie DiPalma is the co-founder and director of P.S. I Love You Day, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She is also a Special Education Teacher for the Sachem Central School District on Long Island.

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site. Our philanthropic interests are personal to us and are not reviewed, sponsored, or approved by CWM, LLC. 

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