Support Mental Health America: Mind Over Stigma

Group Five leitet diesen Spendenaufruf zugunsten von Mental Health America.

Steuerlich absetzbar

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?

Nearly 60 million U.S. adults – 23% of the adult population – experienced a mental illness in the past year. This includes common conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders, highlighting a growing national crisis (MHA, 2024).

The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts

Over 13 million adults (5%) reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. Tragically, the number of suicides in 2022 reached the highest level ever recorded in the U.S. (MHA, 2024).

Our Youth are Struggling

1 in 5 youth (ages 12–17) experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, yet 56% of them didn't receive any treatment (MHA, 2024).
About 13% of youth (approximately 3.4 million) also reported serious suicidal thoughts (MHA, 2024).

Substance Use Challenges

18% of adults (over 45 million) and 9% of youth (~2.3 million) experienced a substance use disorder in the past year (MHA, 2024).

Barriers to Getting Help

A concerning 55% of adults with a mental illness received no treatment, with cost and access being major roadblocks (MHA, 2023).
About 11% of adults with mental illness are uninsured, and 25% of adults with frequent mental distress couldn't see a doctor due to cost (MHA, 2023).
There is approximately 1 mental health provider for every 340 people, and 122 million live in areas with provider shortages, meaning only 27% of needs are met (MHA, 2024).

How the money will be used:

Expand mental health education and awareness campaigns that reduce stigma and promote early intervention
Provide community outreach and digital support tools that connect individuals and families to vital resources
Advocate for better policies and funding to make mental health care more accessible for everyone
Offer training and support for peer volunteers working directly with those in need

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:

Mental Health America website: https://mhanational.org/
Free confidential mental health screening: https://mhascreening.org/

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

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 988lifeline.org
Text HOME to 741741

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

Spenden