PAX events have always been about community, networking, and creating memories with your friends and fellow creators, but what about those who are seeking out answers to the questions they don’t know how to ask about their mental health?
For me, Guardians Mental Health is one of the most important booths on the show floor. I have struggled with my own mental health journey, but one person who helped put me on the right path was Joe Telesk, the Executive Director of the organization.
In 2024, I decided to take the first step toward getting help. I looked through the resources from Guardians Mental Health and tried to find the best options for my specific needs. That year, I learned a lot about my mental health. I was diagnosed with ADHD and clinical depression, along with a strong possibility that I am on the autism spectrum.
It was difficult to accept all of that. There were a lot of emotions that came with understanding these parts of myself. But when I met Joe at PAX East 2024 and later interviewed him, those conversations became some of the most meaningful and eye-opening discussions I had about mental health. They never felt shameful or harmful, and I never felt like something was wrong with me. Instead, I felt genuine care, understanding, and support. Joe and Guardians Mental Health showed me that they truly stand for helping people who are struggling.
Now, in 2026, I had the chance to meet with Joe again and talk about how Guardians Mental Health continues to stand for what mental health care should be. Mental health is something we can work on, heal from, and learn to manage. The human brain can be a strange thing. We all have one, yet we can experience the same things in completely different ways.
But there is one thing I know for certain: you are not alone.
The team at Guardians Mental Health is willing to be there for you. They can help you find resources, share their experiences, listen to what you are going through, and encourage you to seek professional help when you need it.
As someone who has taken that first step myself, I know how difficult it can be. But asking for help does not make you weak, broken, or less of a person. Sometimes, it is the strongest thing you can do.
Thank you Joe and the team at Guardians Mental Health for making a difference, even if it is one person at a time. If you are at PAX West or any other future event, check out the Guardians Mental Health booth, their resources, and talk to the team about what the first steps look like. You are not alone. Visit GuardiansMH.org for resources and more details.
Joe Telesk is the founder and Executive Director of Guardians Mental Health, a mental health organization that helps struggling people find the resources to get the help they need. Follow Joe Telesk on Twitter and learn more on the Guardians Mental Health website.
Corey Dirrig is the Founder and President of Boss Rush Media. He is the host of The Boss Rush Podcast, Nintendo Pow Block, Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast, and cohosts a variety of other podcasts and content. You can follow Corey on Bluesky, on X/Twitter, and on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn for Business Inquiries.
Andre Wilson is a Content Creator for Instagram Reels and on YouTube. You can follow his work on Instagram or his YouTube channel and follow his thoughts on Threads.
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