A conversation with Ryan.
The LeeWok Music and Arts Festival is a standout feature on our annual calendar. Both the festival and the Adventure Race hold a special place in our hearts, for good reason. We thought this was a good opportunity to pause and reflect on the story behind LeeWok. Who better than to tell us about it than Ryan Randall, co-founder of OpenMIND.
Hi, Ryan! For those of us that might not know the history, can you take us through the story behind OpenMIND?
“It was the first time our family really opened up and started talking about our struggles dealing with his death and the more complicated issues of depression.”
What is your fondest memory of your brother?
The LeeWok festival is a big event for OpenMIND. What's the story behind how it started?
What do you look forward to the most at the festival?
“But my biggest piece of advice is to open up your heart to those that you love, be honest if you are struggling, just the simple act of sharing your feelings can help provide relief.”
Many families need a lot of support when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Do you have any advice for them?
I think our website is a great place to start. OpenMIND has gathered resources to help you identify the symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as the tools to help you manage it. But my biggest piece of advice is to open up your heart to those that you love, be honest if you are struggling, just the simple act of sharing your feelings can help provide relief.
But if you are really struggling for a way forward, please reach out to a professional, a counselor or therapist can give you the proper guidance and a path forward.