MEET JAKE
Jake is Keynote and Motivational Speaker. After multiple suicide attempts and being diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and psychosis, Jake looked to create new programs and spaces to help others not feel so alone. Jake received his bachelors degree from the University of South Dakota in 2020.
"You dont have to change overnight. Just take one step in the right direction”
- Jake Danielson
Making a 30 under 30 list was Jake's greatest accomplishment as it was proof that all of that work paid off. It was proof of all those days saying it would get better that he was right.
There is power in everyones' story, and Jake hopes his story can inspire others to believe in their own story. Jake believes everyone is the hero of their own story, they just have to start believing in their super powers. “The hard part about mental health is when you struggle with it you believe truly that no one understands you. We hold these feelings in, in fear of not being heard. It’s up to us as leaders to create spaces and bring opportunities and hope to our youth struggling with these issues. It’s my belief that the majority of lives would be saved if we had one person we felt we could talk to.”
Changing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Jake is the host of the Destroying Depression podcast and co-founded the WeCan Movement. The WeCan Movement is a mental health organization that aims to bring programs and safe community spaces to young adults throughout South Dakota, building a network of supportive individuals.
Jake is now on a mission to use his story to impact others lives. He is a true believer that when we talk about these things we can truly start to grow from them. He believes that being vulnerable is a superpower and it can starts with him.
Shattering the Stigma of Mental Health