Meetings

Mental health is a huge issue in today's day and age, and a lot of people don't seek help because of how it might make them look, or simply because they don't have the resources necessary for traditional psychological services. Professional counselors and therapists are expensive and can be intimidating, thus making it hard to discuss personal issues with someone a person just met, is much older, and do not feel totally comfortable around. There is an apparent problem with mental health and how people cope or deal with the negative stimuli placed upon them by society or themselves, and because mental health issues affect everyone, even if it is to a small degree, it is a problem worth solving.

The problem CWD solves is the problem of expensive, hard to access, and uncomfortable mental health/psychological services. Also, offering mental health help at a lower level, meaning that CWD will not just focus on severe issues, but simple stress and sadness that everyone goes through at some point. Mental health services, even if someone has the resources available to access these services, are stigmatized and can be looked down upon by peers and/or society. Some people don't want to admit they are getting help with their issues, and CWD is taking away that problem by making people aware of the abundance of mental health issues, making sure people know they aren't alone, and it is normal to not always feel 100%.

The solution to the wide-spread issue of mental health are Coffee With Demons meetings. Meetings in which individuals meet and openly discuss their problems with others who are struggling with the similar issues, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Utilizing an AA-type meeting format, people will realize they aren't alone and be able to connect with people who are experiencing dark times as well. Teens and young adults will be able to sit down with peers who are battling similar issues, and openly discuss their problems, solutions, and words that might just help the person sitting next to them. CWD isn't just a solution for those who don't want to see a therapist, but also those who don't  necessarily think they need one. 

Through structured meetings, CWD will...

• Create awareness of the ongoing mental health issues in America

• Create a safe space for people to openly discuss their issues without judgment

• Provide mental health help to individuals without the resources necessary to access traditional services

• Give people the opportunity to help, and receive help through communicating with others that are also struggling with their own demons

CWD meetings will not follow a 12 Step program like that of AA. Instead, the meetings will be driven by the problems of the individual attendees, with more focus on open discussion and talk amongst the group. Solutions that have worked for one person might also work for others, and bringing people together to connect on a deeper level that accompanies mental health issues is a great way for success to spread.