Open Letter from our CEO

Dear 2Mynds community,?

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth; therefore, I'm compelled to share why this month holds profound significance for me and our company.?

What the data says:

In December of 2023, the #NCAA published a report on collegiate athletes' mental wellness during the 2022-2023 academic year. This report highlighted some staggering insights that athletes feel constantly or almost daily:??

• 35% of Division I athletes have academic worries?
• 44% of female collegiate athletes frequently feel overwhelmed by everything they need to do
• 35% of female collegiate athletes feel mentally exhausted?

These findings resonate with me because, over the past two years, 2Mynds has had the privilege of working with many collegiate sports teams. And we have learned that many athletes deal with mental hurdles. It is one of the reasons why I have become so passionate about helping young athletes develop better mental skills to combat the challenges they face. Studies also show that among adolescents aged 12 to 17, the prevalence of major depressive episodes surged to 20% in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and support. And those interventions should not just be support and therapy. Preventative training and helping people become more mentally fit before the challenges become problematic is still a missing link in mental health.??

The imperative for change:?

While therapeutic interventions remain vital, there's a gradual shift towards preventive strategies and holistic mental well-being. Recently, the NCAA released news that "as part of Division I's holistic student-athlete model, Division I schools will be required to attest to providing services and support consistent with the best practices, with the first attestation deadline occurring in November 2025." At 2Mynds, we're at the forefront of this evolution, advocating for a comprehensive approach that integrates mental fitness into our daily lives.?

Drawing from my background as a clinical epidemiologist, I've witnessed firsthand the pressing need for a paradigm shift in mental health care. While traditional models often prioritize reactive therapeutic approaches, there's a growing recognition of the importance of proactive mental fitness training. This realization inspired the inception of 2Mynds, with a mission to revolutionize how we approach mental wellness.??

Let's make a tangible impact:?

As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, let's not only raise awareness but also empower ourselves and others with actionable steps toward prioritizing mental wellness:?

• Do preventative training: Develop effective mental skills and become proficient at techniques that help you calm your mind, relax your body, assess and plan, and project desired actions and outcomes. Some examples are attention control exercises, smooth breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. Sign up for free to start your mental training on our platform!??
• Get active: Dedicate time each day to engage in some active movement to replenish your mental and emotional reserves. Ideally, challenge your endurance, strength, or coordination. If you need some inspiration, check out one of our 10-minute mind-body flows!??
• Foster connection: Cultivate meaningful relationships and support networks that serve as pillars of strength during challenging times. If you are interested in optimizing your daily life and protecting your mental health via better mental fitness, come join our community!?
• Make mental health a habit: Mental health is not just something you aspire to. It's something that requires action. Make sure you start small. It can be anything: move a little more, eat an extra salad, don't use your phone before you sleep, or do a little stretch in the morning. Pick small goals and make reaching them a healthy habit!?
• Seek professional support: If you're struggling with mental distress, talk to your healthcare provider.??

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been committed to improving mental health in our communities. May this letter serve as a catalyst for meaningful action and collective efforts toward fostering a culture of well-being around the world.?

Warm regards,?

?

Leon Bax?

Founder & CEO, 2Mynds?