For 23-year-old Lexi Hidalgo, a typical morning is not spent scrolling through social media. Instead, the Boca Raton native emphasizes the importance of starting the day with personal reflection and practice.
“Spend that time individually,” Hidalgo advises. “Focus on your faith, your religion, or whatever you do, but avoid consuming content from others.”
She recommends applying the same principle before bedtime.
Over the past four years, Hidalgo has built a substantial following, amassing 2.6 million TikTok followers. She connects with a diverse audience of women, ranging from teenagers to those in their early thirties, sharing glimpses into her life such as sunrise ocean dips, solo coffee chats, her yoga journey, volunteer work at an animal shelter, and her recent project of repurposing old outfits.
Hidalgo’s transparency about her personal experiences, including therapy and mental health, has created a supportive space for her followers. They often share their own experiences with social anxiety, feeling safe and understood in her community.
This openness earned Hidalgo invitations to speak at prominent events. In August, she was invited to the White House to discuss mental health in social media and moderated a panel at the Active Minds summer conference in Washington, D.C. Despite her initial fear, Hidalgo chose to face her anxieties and participate, hoping to lead by example.
Later that month, Hidalgo was named an ambassador for Active Minds, the largest mental health nonprofit in the country. She aims to extend the organization’s reach to local college campuses, including Florida Atlantic University.
“My goal is to continue the conversation about mental health, reducing stigma, and making it a more approachable topic,” Hidalgo said. “I want to help lift the burden of discussing mental health and be open about the challenges we face.”
Mental health remains a pressing concern for young adults. A recent Active Minds survey revealed that 64% of college students feel lonely, and over half are worried about their friends’ mental health. With rising youth suicide rates, the organization strives to reshape the conversation around mental health and promote lasting change.
Hidalgo frequently addresses overcoming fears and pursuing dreams on her platform, although she admits struggling with these challenges herself. To manage her emotions, she journals, finding solace in stepping back and viewing her life from a broader perspective. She also finds comfort in nature, believing that paying attention to simple details helps ground her.
In 2021, Hidalgo launched “The Moments Podcast,” which quickly gained popularity, debuting at No. 4 on Spotify and staying in the Top 10 for weeks. The podcast features discussions on the highs and lows of young adult life.
In April, Hidalgo published a guided journal designed to help users, whether new to journaling or experienced, gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
“Lexi has a remarkable ability to connect with young people and make them feel seen and understood,” said Alison Malmon, Founder of Active Minds. “Her heartfelt approach and commitment to empowering others will be invaluable as we work to promote mental well-being among youth. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make.”
