Mental Health America

Hello everyone,

We are Voices Unheard, a passionate group united by a shared purpose. Our mission is to raise the voices of those who feel misunderstood, silenced, or forgotten in their mental health journey.

We have joined forces with Mental Health America, an organization that shares our dedication to advocate for mental health awareness, education, and access to proper care. Together, we strive to promote attention and understanding on the challenges our military face after combat and in their everyday day lives. We hope to bring love, compassion, and change to our communities and the conversations around mental health.

Military personnel are exposed to many potential stressors, particularly combat-related ones, which can lead to PTSD. While the Mental Health Association (MHA) supports veterans and current military personnel through its own programs, they have also collaborated with the VA on various initiatives. These initiatives include promoting mental health awareness and providing screening tools for veterans. Mental Health America works to break down the stigma of mental health among current military personnel and their families by providing valuable information and assistance with proper care. However, many veterans remain reluctant to seek help or lack access to mental health due to various reasons, including embarrassment about the stigma attached to terms like “Mental Health” or “PTSD,” as well as a lack of information about available resources.

Recent data shows us that mental health challenges in the U.S. military are rising substantially. According to PubMed, between 2019 and 2023, more than 541,672 active-duty members were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder using 966,227 diagnoses total during that time period. An article in Army Times lets us know in 2023 alone, mental health disorders such as anxiety ailment and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) accounted for 54.8 % of all active-duty members, more than any other category of illness. These conditions can take a lasting toll on individuals, families, relationships, and entire communities. Our mission is to ensure that no one has to face those challenges alone. Mental Health America (MHA) could play a crucial role in helping address the shortage of care and support. MHA maintains a large network of partners nationwide who are able to connect people with local mental health resources.

Your generosity can inspire hope in the hearts of those who need healing the most. Donations to the GoFundMe for Mental Health America make a powerful difference in the lives of those suffering with mental health pain including our nation’s veterans. Your support helps expand access to critical mental health resources, provide free screenings and educational materials, along with connecting individuals to care they might not otherwise seek out. Every contribution, no matter how small can guide us closer to a world where mental health is valued, voices are heard, and support is within everyone’s reach. Hand in hand, we can nurture harmony and achieve lasting impact.

A member of our group is a Gulf War veteran who, after leaving the military in 1992, reintegrated into civilian life without realizing he exhibited signs of PTSD. His family and friends were among the first to notice his struggles. When approached about their concerns, he became defensive and embarrassed by the association with PTSD.

After several incidents, such as failed relationships and minor brushes with law enforcement, he sought help through a program supported by Mental Health America and the VA, where he became educated about mental health and PTSD. He was diagnosed with PTSD, accepted his diagnosis, received treatment through therapy, and has since become an advocate for mental health awareness.

Sources:

Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division, (2024, December 1). Update: Diagnoses of mental health disorders among active component U.S. Armed Forces, 2019-2023. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39736156/

Ceder, R. (2025, January 3). 40% rise in mental health diagnosis among troops, report finds. Military Times. Retrieved from

https://www.armytimes.com/news/2025/01/03/40-rise-in-mental-health-diagnosis-among-troops-report-finds/

Every year, millions of people struggle quietly with their mental health, often hiding behind smiles that mask deep pain. The National Institute of Mental Health (2024) reports that nearly one in five adults (over 57 million people) live with a mental illness, yet many never receive the help they need. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young adults in the U.S. (CDC, 2023).

I never understood how close that reality could be until a good friend called me in a moment of crisis, hopeless, and contemplating suicide. I was shocked! She was someone who seemed to have everything together. She was confident, loved and successful. I had no idea she was silently fighting this battle for years. Thankfully, she got the help she needed and is doing much better today, but that call changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to how many people are suffering in silence because of fear, shame, or lack of access to support.

That’s why we created The Mindful Mission, a campaign dedicated to mental health education, awareness, and compassion. Our goal is to raise funds for Mental Health America (MHA) to support their ongoing efforts in advocacy, prevention, and early intervention. MHA works tirelessly to promote mental well-being and ensure that those struggling can access help before reaching a crisis point.

By donating, you’re not just supporting a cause, you’re helping someone find hope, get connected to care, and feel seen. Together, we can help end the silence surrounding mental health and create communities where healing and understanding come first.

Hello, This fundraiser has been started by Brooke Love, Steven Chupp, Machiko Palmer, and Tommy Lauro to help bring awareness to mental health problems in America. Our goal is to not only raise 200$ worth of funds but also spark meaningful conversations about the importance of mental health support and to educate people on why its so vitally important. Here are some very intriguing numbers that show series of a problem mental health in America is. 69% percent of EMS professionals have never had enough time to recover between traumatic events (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2018). This statistic highlights how serious the mental health crisis is among first responders. This means that most of them move from one stressful or traumatic call to the next without the time or support needed to process what they’ve experienced. Over time, this constant exposure without recovery leads to emotional exhaustion, depression, post traumatic stress, and even suicidal thoughts. The nonstop pace of their work doesn’t just affect their mental health—it also impacts their relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. This number shows an urgent need for dedicated recovery periods (such as adequate PTO to accommodate such trauma), counseling, and mental health support to protect those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Tom Lauro, one of the people in this group works at a fire station and deals with situations like this all the time.

Tom's words-Mental health in first responders is a topic that is very close to my heart. Over the last few years, I have lost more than a couple of people I called friends to suicide within the fire department. Each loss leaves an emptiness that words can’t really fill. It’s a reminder of how heavy the weight can be for those who serve others every day.

Mental health is tough to define, and the target is always moving. We never truly know what battles someone is facing inside. As first responders, we see death and destruction so often that the lens we look through can become dark and clouded. Over time, it changes how we see the world and sometimes how we see ourselves.

There can even be a strange familiarity with death, a coping mechanism that helps us face it every day but quietly erodes our peace. I believe that the more we recognize that we are not alone in these feelings, the more we can heal each other.

That’s why it’s so important to stand up, speak out, and support one another. This fund is about breaking the silence, showing compassion, and reminding every first responder that their life matters and they are not in this fight alone

Reference:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). First responders: Behavioral health concerns, emergency response, and trauma. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf

The funds we raise will go to Mental Health America, who affiliates with other organizations that provide mental health help to veterans, families of veterans, and first responders. We believe that providing help to those who’ve served for us is the biggest “thank you” we could possibly give for those who sacrificed for us and our country. See more: https://mhanational.org/resources/military-mental-health/

Walking the Las Vegas Strip for Mental Health Awareness September 25 2025

By Mike “Fridge” Mergner

I’m walking the entire Las Vegas Strip — from the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign all the way to The STRAT — to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. I will be live streaming the entire walk on my Instagram.

This walk is more than just miles on the pavement. It’s for the people who are still fighting, for the ones we’ve lost, and for anyone who feels invisible. I’ve seen firsthand how heavy life can get, and I want to do something real — something visible — to remind people they’re not alone.

Every dollar raised will go directly to Mental Health America, a nonprofit that’s making a difference through mental health resources, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention outreach.

Why the Strip?

Las Vegas is loud, bright, and full of distractions — just like the world can be when you’re silently struggling. By walking the Strip, I want to bring visibility to what too often stays in the dark.

How You Can Help:

• Donate — Every contribution matters, no matter the size

• Share — Post this fundraiser, tell a friend, be part of the ripple

• Walk with me — If you’re in Vegas, come take a few steps together

Whether you give $1 or $100, your support helps light the way for someone else. Thank you for standing with me. Let’s walk toward hope — one step at a time.

With love and purpose,

Mike “Fridge” Mergner

Mental Health America

Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

In honor of my mother Jean Striegel

My mother passed on June 26th, 2025 from an unfortunate tragedy. She was an absolutely amazing mother and was able to take on the role of two parents my mother and father. After many years of struggling with mental health after my father passed. I wanted to commemorate in her name this charity fund to raise money for mental health awareness.

I want to have my mother memory live on in a brighter light, she was an amazing person and had a huge impact on everyone around her.

Lets make this world a better place together!

Join MEraki

Help us raise enough money to support Mental Health America and advocate for a world where mental health would be prioritized for many people.

Our mission is to unite communities, healthcare professionals, and advocates to collaboratively address and prevent medical issues through education, resources, and support. We are dedicated to creating a healthier future by fostering partnerships that raise awareness, promote proactive health practices, and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals. Together, we can strive to stop preventable health challenges and empower individuals to live healthier, longer lives.

Who We Are

We’re The Mental Wealth Club — a group of students coming together to take on something we all care deeply about: mental health. Too many people feel like they have to deal with things alone, and that no one will understand them or even care about how they feel. This is an unfortunate phenomenon that has plagued our communities, and turned young people to violence/drugs and worse — death. So we're here to say there's no time like the present to start making a change for better. You are not alone and things aren't as hard when you have support. You can live to fight along side people just like you.

This project started as a class assignment, but it’s become something more. We're on a mission to break the stigma around mental health, talk about it openly, and take real steps to support people in our communities.

We’re raising money for Mental Health America (MHA) — an amazing nonprofit that’s been fighting for mental health support, education, and early intervention for over 100 years. Their work is saving lives, and we want to be a part of it.

Why We're Raising Funds

Mental health challenges can hit anyone — no matter your background, your age, or your story. And for many of us, especially young people, it’s hard to find the help we need. Between breaking traditional toxcity surrounding mental health and even being able to gain enough emotional intellegence from our peers and support system to emotionally grow, things can become bleak rather quickly. So much so, sadly, some of us never even attempt to seek the help that we need. Whether it’s stigma, cost, or just not knowing where to turn, way too many people are struggling in silence.

Your support will help fund:

Free mental health screenings that can help people take that first step

Education programs in schools and communities

Support for marginalized youth who often face the biggest barriers to care

Resources and outreach for those in crisis or at risk

We chose MHA because they focus on prevention, access, and advocacy — just like we do.

Why It Matters to Us (and Maybe to You, Too)

We’re doing this because we’ve been there. We’ve seen what anxiety, depression, burnout, or identity struggles can do — to ourselves, our friends, our families. It’s not just a personal issue. It’s a community issue. And we believe that when we support mental health, we’re building something bigger: a world that actually cares.

So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, left out, or just needed someone to understand you — this fundraiser is for you.

How You Can Help

Chip in whatever you can — even $5 makes a difference

Share the link with your people — social media, text, wherever

Talk about it — your voice has power, and normalizing mental health starts with conversations

Let’s Redefine What Wealth Means

Because real wealth? It’s not in money — it’s in mental strength, community support, and compassion.

Join us. Be a part of this movement.

Help us build a world where minds are cared for, not ignored.

The Mental Wealth Club

Hello,

We are the Mental Health Eagles: a group of students with the University of North Texas, working together to practice civic engagement within our communities. For our final project, we are promoting our fundraiser for a non-profit organization which addresses an all-to-common social issue plaguing our community: mental illness and mental health support. That is why we are partnering with Mental Health America to raise funds for the work their organization does.

As college students, we are all too familiar with the effects of poor mental health and mental illness can have on the success, lives, and wellbeing of ourselves and our colleagues. Below, we’ve included a few of the concerning yet important data we found during our research.

• In 2021, over 60% of college students screened across 723 campuses met the criteria for at least one mental health condition (Lipson, S. K., et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol. 306, 2022)

• Students seeking help at campus counseling centers increased almost 40% between 2009 and 2015, and trends continue to rise (CCMH Annual Report, 2015)

• The University of North Texas supports more than 3,000 veterans in their student body.

o Veterans on campus are 1.7 to 2.4 times more likely to screen positive for mental health concerns than their colleagues, yet only 41.5% receive treatment (J Am Coll Health, 2022)

• 45.5% of First-Generation students with depression, anxiety and/or suicidal ideation received any mental health treatment in the past year, relative to 55.1% of Continuing Generation students (Cogent Ment Health, Healthy Minds Study, 2023)

In our fundraising for Mental Health America, we want to highlight different programs of MHA’s that address these concerns and more. From the ‘Clifford Beers Society’ that connects leaders and advocates of mental health that collectively work to support those affected by mental health, to councils that work to change public policy at the state and federal levels, to research and screening projects that keep MHA informed and up-to-date on the current state of America’s mental health crisis.

According to Mental Health America’s website (https://mhanational.org/),

“$50 connects 40 people to our free online mental health screening tools.

$100 helps us reach 2,000 people with essential public education tools and resources.

$500 supports the professional growth of a nationally recognized youth mental health leader for six months, empowering them to advocate for change and provide vital support to their peers.”

While ‘1 in 5 people struggle with mental health, 5 in 5 people have mental health’ (Mental Health America, 2025). Our team motto is “Soaring to new heights”, so we are constantly seeking ways to go above and beyond to work with MHA and improve our community. How ever you can support us‒whether its donating to our fundraiser, sharing our link, or taking the time to visit Mental Health America’s website‒you are flying with us on our journey for a better tomorrow.

With Great Appreciation,

The Mental Health Eagles

Team Shine On Squad, reporting for duty!

Our names are Sisi, Rudy, Cristal, Brad, and Mornae, and we're a group of college students at the University of North Texas. We know that recovery is not magic - it takes time!

That's why we want to introduce a very special organization that we fully support and care deeply for - Mental Health of America (MHA). MHA has been the nation's leading nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to combating mental health problems for 100 years (Mental Health America, 2024). They are committed to the prevention, identification, and provision of support and treatment for those at risk of mental health problems. We want to help raise funds and bring awareness to aid with all the community outreach programs that MHA has to offer, which provide education, care, and advocacy for those who are already struggling with mental health issues. The symptoms of mental health issues are not always visible but can have lasting effects that can be very detrimental in one's life, which has a rippling effect on families, friends, work environments, and communities.

Why this matters

This matters to us because 1-in-5 adults in the U.S. struggles with their mental health, and roughly 60% of those people aren’t receiving the treatment they need. The numbers are even more alarming for youth, with suicide being the 2nd leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10-24 years old (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).

This affects everyone, and we have all seen the signs of friends being distant, or classmates showing frustration or being overwhelmed, and family members who struggle silently every day, trying to figure out a way out. These aren’t just statistics or numbers; these are people we love and care about. Mental health affects ALL of us directly or indirectly, and it's up to us to play our part in helping the community get better.

We know, because...

We also struggle with our mental health sometimes. The following story was anonymously submitted by the team to share with you here:

“I want to share a bit of my experience with you.

Usually, when people hear the word anxiety, it isn't "just stress," it's more than that. The effects of it are so profound and interconnected that it impacts the mind, body, and behavior. Inside the mind, it's a catastrophizing world, like a lightning storm with no end, clashing with more brutal force each time, filling the head with endless loops of "what-if" scenarios or black-and-white thinking. It's overwhelming. There isn't even peace inside one's mind, and because of that, fatigue comes to play, sometimes too much to the point where you burn out, and all that's left is to feel emotionally "numb". It's pitiful. Even your behavior can change, not always, but sometimes it feels heavy, like you're drowning in the ocean, and as much as you try to swim up to the surface, you accept your fate and leave yourself be. Sometimes, it manifests as avoidance, social withdrawal, irritability, or lack of motivation. Your body isn't yours to control anymore; your behavior, thoughts, and body are out of reach, and as miserable as that might sound, this isn't always the case. There are good and bad days, but there are usually more good days as of now. Recognizing and accepting it was the first step, followed by getting help, such as going to therapy, incorporating more exercise into my lifestyle, and even meditating. There's a quote that I think is quite valuable that my therapist told me when I started my journey to self-recovery: "Anxiety is not your fault, but it is your responsibility to manage it. The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety, but to prevent it from eliminating you." —Dr. Claire Weekes, pioneer in anxiety treatment "

How to support

Your donation will help MHA in:

Stand with Us

We invite you to join us as a strong, united community in mental health, giving aid for yourself or loved ones, and everyone else who quietly suffers every day.

Learn more by visiting:

https://mhanational.org/

Phone: (703) [phone redacted]

References

Changing lives through acts of kindness: On Behalf of Mental Health America

Hi, we are Unbreakable Minds, a group of University of North Texas students who have come together in support of mental health awareness. As a team, we are working to raise funds on behalf of Mental Health America (MHA), a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our story and why we chose Mental Health America

Mental health is an issue that affects many individuals, directly or indirectly. 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition. 5 in 5 people suffer from mental health. We chose to focus on mental health because it’s something that deeply affects many college students, including ourselves. As students, we know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to balance school, work, relationships and personal responsibilities. Which often, students juggle all at once. Many of us have experienced or seen friends struggle with stress, anxiety, burnout or depression, and it’s not necessarily easy to talk about or even to ask for help. Mental health is often pushed aside in college environments where productivity and achievement are prioritized, but we believe it’s time to change that. By sharing our story and starting new conversations, we hope to raise awareness and create a space where other students feel seen, supported, heard, and even encouraged to prioritize their mental wellbeing.

Please watch the video below on how to ask for help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNxfR0hovzY

About Mental Health America

Mental Health America is the nation’s leading nonprofit, established in 1908 and dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and condition prevention.

Mental Health America was established by a person with lived experience, Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as Mental Health America.

Mental Health America’s mission and vision are to advance the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S through public education, research, advocacy and policy, and direct service.

Mental Health America advocates for legislation that will have a lasting and positive effect on the lives of individuals suffering from mental health conditions and their families. Their unique approach is to ask the community what support is needed to live the lives they want.

The Bell of Hope | Mental Health America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpjcxKEs5FI&t=19s

Current Mental health statistics as of 2024 in the United States include:

2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report

https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf

When donating to Mental Health America, you can trust that your donations will make an impact.

Here is how your donation helps:

Here is a snapshot of what Mental Health America accomplished in 2023:

We humbly ask that you or your organization join us in “Changing lives through acts of kindness”.

Our goal is to raise $1000 on behalf of Mental Health America.

You can find more information on Mental Health America below:

https://mhanational.org/

500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820

Alexandria, VA. 22314

Phone (703) [phone redacted] | Toll Free (800)

969.6642 Fax (703) [phone redacted]

Mental Health America 2025 Priorities

https://mhanational.org/policy-issues/mental-health-america-2025-priorities/

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline. If it is an emergency, dial 911, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/

Project Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of qualified agencies, trained volunteers, and businesses in 32 states. Call the hotline to find out if the program operates in your state.

Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based non-profit, dedicated to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals living with mental illness, while championing early intervention and recovery for everyone. Since its founding in 1909, MHA has bravely pioneered a shift in how society views mental health, by insisting it deserves the same urgency and compassion as physical health. Through vital education, community outreach, smart public policy, and essential programs, MHA works to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, can access the mental health resources and support they need to truly thrive.

Mental health is a fundamental part of who we are, shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Yet, for too many, it remains a silent struggle, often hidden by stigma and a lack of accessible support. Our campaign is driven by a deep commitment to change this, and we're proud to partner with Mental Health America.

Why Mental Health Demands Our Attention

Mental health is health and it affects all of us. It is a critical component of every person’s well-being yet, millions of people still suffer in silence because of stigma, lack of understanding and support, and limited access to care.

For decades, mental health disorders have continuously been misunderstood, under-prioritized, and stigmatized. Today, the need for mental health advocacy, support, and awareness is more urgent than ever.

Research:

The latest data paints a clear picture of the widespread impact of mental health challenges across the U.S.:

How Common Is Mental Illness?

The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts

Our Youth are Struggling

Substance Use Challenges

Barriers to Getting Help

How the money will be used:

We do not promise that your donation will fund any single project, but every contribution helps sustain programs supported by MHA.

Why This Organization Matters to Us?

A member from our organization has been diagnosed with epilepsy as an adult. They had to make major changes in their life. They can no longer drive, they need some assistance on a regular basis. Every time they have a seizure in public a lot of attention is given. They felt very self-conscious and embarrassed. Eventually, they didn’t want to leave their home.

When first learning of their diagnosis, they went from doctor to doctor looking for treatment. While going through Dr. appointments and evaluations, they were diagnosed with depression. Their family members didn’t know the symptoms of depression. Mental Health Awareness is important to educate people in the signs of mental illness.

Learn More and Get Support

For more information about mental health, MHA's programs, or to find resources:

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help:

About us

We are a group of students from the University of North Texas participating in a class project to raise awareness and donations towards Mental Health America. Our team members are Alex Ho, Chandler Rios, Daphne Harris, Cameron Shatto, and Daveawn Armstead. We are united by a shared passion for mental health advocacy and are excited to contribute to this cause through our campaign project.

Sources:

ZonaIT. (n.d.). The WHO publishes a report on the consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health and attention to mental health services. The WHO publishes a report on the consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health and attention to mental health services - Biotech Spain. https://biotech-spain.com/en/articles/the-who-publishes-a-report-on-the-consequences-that-the-covid-19-pandemic-has-had-on-mental-health-and-attention-to-mental-health-services/

Mental Health Month Graphics and printables. Mental Health America. (2025, April 8). https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/graphics/

Mental Health America. (2023). The state of mental health in America. https://mhanational.org/position-statements/the-state-of-mental-health-in-america

Mental Health America. (2024, July 29). MHA releases 2024 State of Mental Health in America report. https://mhanational.org/news/mha-releases-2024-state-of-mental-health-in-america-report

Mental Health America. (2024). 2024 The state of mental health in America: Youth data. https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/mental-health-america-youth-data

Mental Health America. (2024). Access to mental health care in the U.S. https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/access-care

Mental Health America. (2024). Suicidal ideation and substance use disorder statistics. https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/suicide-and-substance-use

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental illness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 28, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Suicide statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 28, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Advancing health equity in mental health care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 28, 2025, from https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-equity

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 31). Mental health basics. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm