Elyse Fox is not only a passionate advocate for mental health but also the founder and CEO of Sad Girls Club, a platform dedicated to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women. In a recent podcast interview, Fox shared her journey from struggling with depression to creating a global support system that has touched countless lives.
Building a Global Support System for BIPOC Women
Sad Girls Club was born out of Elyse Fox’s personal struggles with mental health. The organization’s mission is to create safe spaces for difficult conversations about mental wellness, especially for the BIPOC community. Through online platforms and in-person events, Sad Girls Club provides resources, support, and a sense of belonging for women of all ages. Fox’s vision was to destigmatize mental health issues and offer accessible resources to those who needed them most.
“I want to provide a toolbox for people—something they can turn to when they’re ready to talk,” Fox explained. Today, Sad Girls Club has grown into a global community, reaching women from all corners of the world, fostering a network of connection and healing.
From Depression to Filmmaking: A Turning Point
Elyse Fox’s journey to founding Sad Girls Club began in Los Angeles. After graduating with a degree in film production, Fox moved to the city to pursue a career in film and television. On the outside, she appeared to have it all—success, a stable relationship, and a promising career. But internally, she was struggling with depression and a sense of unfulfillment.
Fox recalled, “I had everything I thought I wanted to be successful, but I was just miserable. I realized I needed to focus on my mental health.”
The turning point came when she decided to leave Los Angeles and return to New York. There, she created a film documenting her experience living with depression. To her surprise, the film resonated with women around the world, sparking conversations about mental health in the BIPOC community. This was the seed from which Sad Girls Club would grow.
Finding Strength Through Motherhood
Motherhood played a significant role in Fox’s personal growth. Her five-year-old son, Basel, became a constant source of motivation and light. She describes him as a reminder of what true happiness means to her, helping her maintain her drive to continue her mission of supporting others.
“Basel has taught me the power of patience,” Fox shared. “I’ve had to retrain my mind to be more mindful, to listen better, and to slow down.”
Motherhood not only inspired Fox but also gave her a deeper sense of purpose. Her son reminds her daily of the importance of resilience, and she is committed to instilling the same strength in the women she supports through Sad Girls Club.
Sad Girls Club’s Impact and Future
Fox’s Sad Girls Club has made a lasting impact on the mental health landscape. The organization helps destigmatize mental health issues by offering resources, community support, and a space for women to connect. Whether through digital programs or in-person events, the club aims to provide a holistic approach to mental wellness, ensuring that BIPOC women feel seen, heard, and supported.
Looking ahead, Elyse Fox is determined to expand Sad Girls Club’s reach even further. Through her work in Teen Vogue with her wellness column, Soft Launch, Fox is pushing for greater visibility of BIPOC mental health issues and advocating for more open conversations about mental wellness.
