Entrepreneur and wellness advocate Stephen Simmang is encouraging individuals and communities to reexamine how they approach mental health. Drawing from his own career shift, from insurance to emotional wellness, Simmang is raising awareness about the value of simple, consistent mental health habits that individuals can start on their own.

“We’re surrounded by information and tools,” says Simmang. “But the real work starts when we slow down and get quiet.”

Why Emotional Health Can’t Wait

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. And stress? Nearly 77% of Americans say it affects their physical health, according to the American Institute of Stress.

“Mental health is not a niche issue,” says Simmang. “It’s the foundation of everything—how we parent, how we lead, how we relate to others.”

Stephen believes prevention and regulation should come before crisis response—and that those habits can start small.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” he adds. “You don’t need a diagnosis to care for your mental health.”

From Insurance to Insight

Stephen began his career helping design wellness plans for major insurance providers, including Gallagher. But over time, he became increasingly aware of the gaps in reactive healthcare systems. “I was helping people access care,” he says. “But I wanted to help them avoid needing it in the first place.”

That shift led to the founding of Prioritize Wellness in 2018 and Kale Diagnostics in 2022. At Kale, Simmang helped scale a company that blended lab testing, data, and personalized care for long-term health.

“We wanted to understand the whole person—not just symptoms,” he says.

But as the company grew, Stephen felt another change coming.

A Personal Turn Toward Mindfulness

After stepping back from his role at Kale, Simmang began focusing on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and mental clarity.

“Mindfulness wasn’t a strategy—it was survival,” he says. “Journaling and breathwork helped me think clearly in the middle of real challenges.”

These practices weren’t part of a product roadmap—they were daily tools he used himself.

“When I’m overwhelmed, I step back. I breathe. I ask myself what really matters,” he says.

Now, he’s turning those tools into a mobile app designed to help others develop nervous system awareness, reduce stress, and build inner stability. The app is currently in development and will be shared on his website: stephensimmang.com.

Supporting Mental Health for All

Simmang also supports several mental health organizations that reflect his values:

• Mental Health America

• The Jed Foundation

• The David Lynch Foundation

“They’re creating access without overwhelm,” he says. “We need more of that—quiet, steady support that meets people where they are.”

A Call to Reflect, Not React

Simmang is encouraging people to take ownership of their mental well-being in small, intentional ways.

“You don’t need to wait for a breaking point,” he says. “Start by noticing how you feel. Write down what’s true for you today. Take five minutes to breathe.”

He suggests:

• Journaling your thoughts every day; this simple act can create space where there is tension.

• Taking breaks from screens to reset the nervous system

• Supporting organizations that promote mental health access

• Allowing yourself to sit still and breathe; even a few minutes can calm the nervous system and lower cortisol.

“Breakthroughs don’t come from doing more,” Simmang adds. “They come from pausing long enough to hear what we need.”

Reframing Success Around Alignment

As he continues his work in emotional wellness, Stephen remains grounded in a philosophy of purpose and presence.

“Success, to me, is alignment,” he says. “If I’m building something that reflects my values and allows me to feel at peace, then I know I’m on the right path.”

He believes the same applies to individuals everywhere.

“You don’t have to chase every trend,” he says. “Just get honest with yourself. What makes you feel more whole? Start there.”

Take the First Step

Simmang’s message is simple: emotional health is not out of reach, and it doesn’t require perfection.

Start small. Stay honest. Breathe. Reflect.For more on Stephen’s latest work and mental health resources, visit stephensimmang.com.

Media Contact
Contact Person: Stephen Simmang
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City: Plano
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: https://www.stephensimmang.com/