One of the crucial gratifying components of my job is listening to tales from donors and their “why” – why they select to provide generously to Psychological Well being America (MHA). Only recently, I spoke with Gary, a passionate psychological well being advocate. Our dialog and his dedication to elevating psychological well being consciousness impressed me enormously.
Throughout our dialog, Gary shared how he utilized MHA’s Psychological Well being Month toolkit inside his retirement neighborhood. His enthusiasm was obvious as he described the advantages of utilizing sources and attending our “COVID-19 Psychological Well being Penalties: What communities ought to do subsequent?” webinar. Gary shared with me how he launched sources to a neighborhood that’s usually ignored or ignored.
Listening to Gary’s “why” jogged my memory of MHA’s on a regular basis affect on folks’s lives. Under are 5 frequent “whys” we hear from donors that we hope will encourage you to replicate by yourself causes.
1. Finish stigma
At MHA, we imagine you will need to discuss overtly about psychological well being considerations. Typically, persons are scared to hunt assist as a result of they worry being teased or seen as weak. Nonetheless, psychological well being is simply as necessary as bodily well being. Your help helps us unfold the phrase that psychological well being might be mentioned with out worry, disgrace, or stigma.
2. Flip hope into motion
It’s estimated that 1 out of 5 folks will develop some type of psychological sickness throughout their lifetime. While you help MHA, you’re turning hope into actual assist for people who find themselves in want. It might be your donation that makes the distinction.
3. Share sources
Over 3,000 folks participated in MHA webinars in 2023, and greater than 60,000 people downloaded our Psychological Well being Month toolkit. In a survey of downloaders, 89% stated the toolkit improved their neighborhood’s total psychological well being.
4. Save lives: Make screenings accessible
Do you know $1.25 pays for a lifesaving display screen at mhascreening.org? This 12 months, MHA supplied free, nameless, and clinically-validated screens to over 5 million folks. Your donation ensures that everybody can entry this lifesaving useful resource.
5. Unfold pleasure
Making a donation is not nearly serving to different folks; it’s also good for our well being. Researchers have discovered that giving is related to a lift in happiness and a lower in stress. It is a win-win state of affairs!
As we work to form the way forward for psychological well being, I hope you’ll be part of Gary and contemplate supporting Psychological Well being America. The next are some methods you can provide again:
- Donate immediately: Each donation helps us advance psychological well being and well-being for all. Donate right here. Because of the Scorching High Basis, all donations will likely be matched as much as $100,000 till Dec. 31, 2023.
- Share consciousness: Unfold the phrase about MHA’s work in your neighborhood or on social media.
- Fundraise: Begin a fundraiser or arrange an occasion for MHA.
- Advocate: Be a part of MHA’s advocacy community to obtain electronic mail alerts about nationwide campaigns that want your help.
- Be taught and share: Keep mentally wholesome by educating your self and others.
It’s my hope that these causes will encourage you to help MHA this vacation season, and I welcome listening to your “why” something!
Jennifer Molina is the Particular person Giving Supervisor at Psychological Well being America.