Interview 26: You’re Not the Only One

With Dior Vargas

9.17.26 | Interview | 38 min

What happens when you grow up believing that mental health struggles aren’t something people like you are supposed to have?

In this episode of Spill Your Guts, mental health activist Dior Vargas shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts at a young age to becoming an outspoken advocate for more inclusive conversations about mental health.

Dior talks about the cultural messages that taught her to be strong rather than vulnerable, how a lack of representation shaped her understanding of mental illness, and why she created the People of Color and Mental Illness Photo Project. We also talk about the barriers marginalized communities still face in accessing quality mental health care, the healing power of community, and what Dior has learned about taking ownership of her own mental health.

It’s a conversation about vulnerability, representation, finding connection, and having the guts to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.

Connect with Dior: https://www.diorvargas.com/; @dior_vargas

Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.