Some of the fulfilling components of my job is listening to tales from donors and their “why” – why they select to present 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 drastically.

Throughout our dialog, Gary shared how he utilized MHA’s Psychological Well being Month toolkit inside his retirement group. 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 group that’s usually ignored or ignored.

Listening to Gary’s “why” jogged my memory of MHA’s on a regular basis affect on individuals’s lives. Beneath are 5 widespread “whys” we hear from donors that we hope will encourage you to mirror by yourself causes.

1. Finish stigma

At MHA, we consider you will need to speak brazenly about psychological well being considerations. Typically, individuals are scared to hunt assist as a result of they concern 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 might be mentioned with out concern, 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. Whenever you assist 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 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 group’s general psychological well being.

4. Save lives: Make screenings accessible

Do you know $1.25 pays for a lifesaving display at mhascreening.org? This 12 months, 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 scenario!

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 may give again:

• Donate straight: Each donation helps us advance psychological well being and well-being for all. Donate right here. Due to 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 group 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 e 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.