Tell us a little about yourself and your community. What kind of space do you aim to create online?

Hello! My name is SeraphimRed, and I'm addicted to Destiny! I am a 35 year old, lifelong Alaskan, wife, mother of two amazing kids and have a B.S. in Psychology! I aim to create an open, friendly, fun-loving space where you can hang out, talk about your day, and have a laugh at our silly antics!

What does Stress Awareness Month mean to you personally?

It is very fitting that Stress Awareness Month takes place in April! It is such a busy month for our family, with school activities, wrapping up the end of the school year, snow and ice melting and we are feeling that spring fever! It is a great time to remind ourselves that it is okay to take a step back if you feel you have too much on your plate and to engage in stress relieving activities. For me, it is spending a little less time online, more time in the sunshine, building LEGO, and treating yourself to that $10 taro boba smoothie, lol!

Why did you choose to partner with Guardians Mental Health?

As a previous Mental Health Specialist and lover of Destiny, it was a no-brainer for me! I took some time and got to know the team and the ambassadors and I was incredibly impressed with the program, and the integrations of peer-reviewed mental health resources directly to your discord, stream, mobile app, and the free mental health kits. That, and I just love helping people and spreading awareness!

Why do you believe mental health conversations are important within gaming communities specifically?

Many people look to gaming as a way to relieve stress, socialize, and connect with people. In these settings, people may spend hours playing and confiding in each other. Sometimes, conversations can go beyond what one person may be able to help with. It's important that people know how to interact, empathize, and recognize when someone may need professional help. Being able to talk openly about these things also helps lift the stigma of mental health in knowing that you are not alone. <3

Have you seen the impact of open mental health conversations in your own community? What changes have stood out to you?

Occasionally, someone will come into chat, or make a social media post expressing that they are having a hard time. It has been really incredible to see, that when you surround yourself with the right people, the overwhelming love and support that show one another! It destigmatizes mental health, empower others to share their stories and show how we are not alone.

Why is the work of the Bungie Foundation important to you?

One Bungie Foundation mission is to provide entertainment to kids that are hospitalized. As a mom, and someone who has spent a lot of time in hospitals, I know how incredibly important it is to have some kind of little escape or distraction from the stress of being in a hospital. I spent a lot of time playing on my Game Boy Color growing up, and it helped so much!

What does being a Lightkeeper mean to you?

Being a Lightkeeper means so much to me! It’s easy to feel down about yourself and your content. During those moments, I like to reflect back to those fundraising streams knowing what a difference we’ve made as a community setting up silly goals and raising money for the little lights. The fundraising events are always some of the most fun and memorable streaming moments and biggest highlights of the year!

How do you see the Bungie Foundation and Guardians Mental Health working together to create positive change?

I love everything that Bungie Foundation and Guardians Mental Health has been able to collaborate together so far! From the special emblems, running Bungie Bounty together last year and this year an official pin! With our combined resources, we can help spread the word about mental health resources that are available free to the community! I would love to see the momentum going with more collaborative efforts in the future via social media content, streams, paint nights and more.

Do you have a favorite Bungie game or universe? What makes it special to you?

My favorite Bungie game has to be Destiny! My first glimpse of Destiny was through my husband who was loving the beta and I decided to play too so we could play together. As new parents, it became increasingly difficult to stay connected with friends. Through Destiny, we were able to meet and connect with so many new people who we are still in touch with today! We became known as the “whisper raid couple” because our raid callouts were always in whispers because the baby was sleeping! Lol!

How has being part of the Bungie community shaped your journey as a creator?

I have met so many amazing individuals because of Destiny and the Bungie community from all over the world! I love meeting new people. Through Destiny, I have been able to grow as a creator by collaborating with all different kinds of people doing raids, raising money for charity and by capturing and posting those silly moments together! Through our mutual love of Destiny it has been easier to connect and grow together!

What’s one small habit or tool that helps you manage stress in your day-to-day life?

Making small, achievable goals can help you feel happy and that you accomplished something that day. Can be as simple as “I’m going to make my bed today” and then doing it, then you have a nice cozy space waiting for you at the end of a long day!

For someone who may be struggling silently, what would you want them to hear right now?

You are important. You are loved. You are not alone. The world is a better place with you in it. You don’t have to do it alone, you have people that love and care about you. It is okay to reach out and let people know you are having a hard time. We have resources and people that are here for you.

If you could challenge your community to take one action for their mental health this month, what would it be?

Sometimes life can be overwhelming and we forget how to manage our stress or remember what is effective for us. Take a few moments to write down things that help you manage your stress and share with a friend. Maybe they can help you think of a new way to manage stress that you hadn’t tried before!

Anything else to add?

Alaska has among some of the highest rates of suicide and depression in the nation. Because of this, I know many loved ones who have been affected and this is why I take mental health so seriously. I always aim to show love and kindness to everybody because you never know what someone may be going through or what they’re secretly battling. It is my hope that more people can do the same. We are stronger together, and we need each other.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you all today, I warned that I could write a novel about all of this! :)

As I always tell my community, do something special for you today!

Much love and hugs to you all!

<3 SeraphimRed