2025-02-09 Mental Health Matters: Supporting Well-being in Times of Change
Mental Health Matters: Supporting Well-being in Times of Change
Mental health is health—period. Yet for too long, mental and emotional well-being have been treated as separate from physical health, leading to stigma, inadequate resources, and countless people suffering in silence. As we navigate an era of rapid change, uncertainty, and unprecedented challenges, supporting mental health has never been more critical. At the Rissover Foundation, we recognize that mental health affects everything: how people learn, work, relate to others, and contribute to their communities.
The Mental Health Landscape
Mental health challenges affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. From anxiety and depression to trauma and substance use disorders, mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Yet barriers to care remain significant: cost, stigma, lack of available providers, and insufficient understanding of mental health needs all prevent people from getting the support they deserve.
Young people face particular challenges. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among children and teens have risen dramatically in recent years. Academic pressure, social media, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future all contribute to stress and mental health struggles. Meanwhile, many schools and communities lack adequate mental health resources to support young people effectively.
Adults aren’t immune either. Work stress, financial pressures, relationship challenges, and major life transitions all impact mental health. Parents juggle multiple responsibilities while trying to support their children’s well-being. Older adults may face isolation, grief, and health challenges that affect their mental and emotional state.
Breaking Down Barriers
The organizations we support work to eliminate barriers to mental health care and support. Some focus on making therapy and counseling more accessible through sliding-scale fees, teletherapy options, or community-based programs. Others work to train teachers, employers, and community leaders to recognize signs of mental health challenges and respond appropriately.
Peer support programs are particularly powerful—connecting people with lived experience of mental health challenges to provide support, hope, and practical guidance to others facing similar struggles. These programs recognize that sometimes the most healing support comes from someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
Prevention and Early Intervention
While crisis intervention is crucial, some of the most effective mental health work happens before problems become severe. Prevention and early intervention programs teach coping skills, build resilience, and create supportive environments that promote mental wellness for everyone.
In schools, social-emotional learning programs help children develop emotional intelligence, stress management skills, and healthy relationships. Workplace mental health initiatives create supportive environments where employees feel safe seeking help and have access to resources when they need them.
Community programs might focus on specific populations or challenges: support groups for new parents experiencing postpartum depression, grief counseling for families who have experienced loss, or stress management workshops for caregivers of elderly relatives.
The Role of Community
Mental health isn’t just an individual issue—it’s deeply influenced by community factors. Social connection, sense of belonging, economic security, and access to opportunities all impact mental well-being. The most effective mental health initiatives often work to strengthen communities alongside supporting individuals.
This might involve creating safe spaces where people can connect and build relationships, addressing social isolation among elderly residents, or developing mentorship programs that provide young people with supportive adult relationships. Community gardens, arts programs, and volunteer opportunities all contribute to mental wellness by providing purpose, connection, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Addressing Trauma and Adversity
Many mental health challenges stem from trauma and adversity—experiences like abuse, neglect, violence, or significant loss. Trauma-informed care recognizes how these experiences affect people and works to create healing environments rather than inadvertently re-traumatizing people seeking help.
Organizations we support work with survivors of domestic violence, refugees and immigrants, veterans, and others who have experienced significant trauma. They understand that healing happens in the context of safety, trust, and empowerment, and they work to create services that honor people’s strength and resilience while providing effective support.
Innovation in Mental Health
Mental health support is evolving rapidly, with new approaches that make care more accessible, effective, and responsive to diverse needs. Technology plays a growing role, from apps that teach mindfulness and coping skills to teletherapy platforms that connect people with counselors regardless of location.
Creative approaches like art therapy, music therapy, and outdoor therapy recognize that healing happens in many different ways. Animal-assisted therapy programs bring together mental health support with the healing power of human-animal bonds. Group programs built around shared interests—from gardening to gaming—create natural opportunities for connection and support.
Supporting Mental Health in Your Community
Everyone has a role to play in supporting mental health and well-being in their community:
Individual Actions:
- Learn about mental health and challenge stigma through open, respectful conversations
- Practice self-care and model healthy stress management
- Check in regularly with friends, family, and neighbors
- Learn to recognize signs of mental health struggles and how to respond supportively
Family and Social Networks:
- Create environments where people feel safe discussing mental health challenges
- Support family members and friends in seeking professional help when needed
- Practice active listening and avoid judgment
- Celebrate small steps and progress in mental health recovery
Community Involvement:
- Volunteer with mental health organizations or crisis helplines
- Advocate for increased funding for mental health services
- Support policies that address social determinants of mental health (housing, employment, healthcare)
- Help reduce stigma by sharing stories and supporting awareness campaigns
Workplace and Schools:
- Advocate for mental health resources and policies in your workplace or school
- Support colleagues or classmates who are struggling
- Promote work-life balance and stress reduction
- Encourage leaders to prioritize mental health and well-being
The Ripple Effect of Mental Health Support
When we support mental health, we create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. People with good mental health are more likely to succeed in school and work, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute positively to their communities. Families with access to mental health support are more stable and resilient. Communities that prioritize mental wellness are more connected, compassionate, and capable of addressing challenges together.
Mental health support isn’t just about helping people in crisis—it’s about creating conditions where everyone can thrive. It’s about building resilience, fostering connection, and ensuring that when people face challenges, they have the tools and support they need to navigate them successfully.
Building a Mentally Healthy Future
The future we’re working toward is one where mental health is treated with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. Where seeking support for emotional struggles is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. Where communities have robust resources for both crisis intervention and prevention. Where schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods are designed to support well-being and resilience.
This future is possible, but it requires all of us working together—supporting organizations that provide mental health services, advocating for policy changes that address mental health needs, and creating cultures of understanding and support in our own communities.
Every conversation that reduces stigma, every dollar donated to mental health programs, every policy that improves access to care brings us closer to this vision. Because mental health truly does matter—for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available:
Crisis Resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI
Learn More: