One of the satisfying components of my job is listening to tales from donors and their “why” – why they select to offer generously to Psychological Well being America (MHA). Only in the near past, I spoke with Gary, a passionate psychological well being advocate. Our dialog and his dedication to elevating psychological well being consciousness impressed me drastically.

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 assets and attending our “COVID-19 Psychological Well being Penalties: What communities ought to do subsequent?” webinar. Gary shared with me how he launched assets to a neighborhood that’s typically neglected or ignored.

Listening to Gary’s “why” jogged my memory of MHA’s on a regular basis impression on individuals’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 it is very important speak brazenly about psychological well being considerations. Usually, 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 assist helps us unfold the phrase that psychological well being will be mentioned with out worry, disgrace, or stigma.

2. Flip hope into motion

It’s estimated that 1 out of 5 individuals will develop some type of psychological sickness throughout their lifetime. Once you assist MHA, you might be turning hope into actual assist for people who find themselves in want. It might be your donation that makes the distinction.

3. Share assets

Over 3,000 individuals 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% mentioned 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 at mhascreening.org? This yr, MHA supplied free, nameless, and clinically-validated screens to over 5 million individuals. Your donation ensures that everybody can entry this lifesaving useful resource.

5. Unfold pleasure

Making a donation is not nearly serving to different individuals; additionally it is 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 a part of Gary and take into account supporting Psychological Well being America. The next are some methods you can provide again:

• Donate straight: Each donation helps us advance psychological well being and well-being for all. Donate right here. Due to the Sizzling Prime Basis, all donations can 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 set up an occasion for MHA.
• Advocate: Be a part of MHA’s advocacy community to obtain electronic mail alerts about nationwide campaigns that want your assist.
• Be taught and share: Keep mentally wholesome by educating your self and others.

It’s my hope that these causes will encourage you to assist 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.