#176 - Lana Antonio - Is Seeking Help a Sign of Weakness?

Lana Antonio is a woman whose life is a masterclass in the art of living with purpose. Whether she is navigating the clinical demands of her role as a dermatology nurse or spearheading initiatives through her non-profit, People Helping People, Lana remains anchored in a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and inclusive change. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a vibrant force in the creative and modeling industry, where she utilizes her platform to foster genuine human connection. Her journey is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and the arts, proving that whether one is healing skin or telling a story through a lens, the ultimate goal is to uplift and see the humanity in others.

In the realm of mental health, Lana’s perspective is uniquely informed by her daily work in dermatology, where she witnesses firsthand how physical conditions can fracture a person’s self-esteem and social identity. She challenges the traditional stigma that views physical self-care as vanity, arguing instead that appearance is a vital component of confidence and a legitimate gateway to opportunity. Beyond the clinic, she is a vocal advocate for dismantling the misconception that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness. By comparing mental health check-ins to the casual way we discuss the flu or physical ailments, Lana champions a culture where therapy and resource-sharing are normalized. Her personal commitment to boundaries and self-compassion serves as a reminder that rest is not a luxury to be earned, but a fundamental requirement for anyone dedicated to pouring into the lives of others.

When it comes to her creative output in modeling and digital spaces, Lana views the camera as a tool for storytelling rather than a pursuit of mere aesthetics. To her, modeling is an act of honoring the labor and dreams of designers, while the production itself serves as a source of collaborative inspiration that fuels her own mission. She navigates the often-performative nature of social media by grounding herself in radical authenticity, frequently asking herself if her choices would remain the same if societal judgment were removed. This mindset allows her to use her "creative lens" to challenge harmful beauty norms, a philosophy deeply reinforced by her medical background which reminds her that all bodies are diverse and fragile. By prioritizing alignment with her own values over the pressure to be liked, she creates a digital impact that is as intentional as it is visually compelling.

Lana’s dedication to advocacy for inclusive change is best exemplified through the evolution of her non-profit, People Helping People. What began as a childhood impulse to buy toys for others matured into a structured organization born from a successful winter donation drive for Edmonton’s unhoused population. For Lana, true inclusivity is a practice of quiet, consistent advocacy and, most importantly, the act of listening to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. She highlights the systemic failures that occur when solutions are designed without consulting those in need, particularly noting the lack of accessible mental health resources for the unhoused and the barriers faced by trans individuals in the creative industries. She encourages anyone looking to start their own journey in advocacy to begin with the small, actionable step of analyzing their own biases and fostering empathy within their immediate circles.

Ultimately, Lana Antonio’s story is one of integration, melding the precision of medicine with the vulnerability of the arts to create a life of service. Her work reminds us that advocacy is not always about grand gestures; it is found in the uncomfortable conversations that break down barriers and the intentional choices we make to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. By living authentically and leading with empathy.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!