Let’s talk about the current state of mental health.

It’s worth fighting for. [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [Mental health is health. And it's worth fighting for. ] In online spaces, it’s generally safe to say that mental health is no longer as taboo as it was a decade ago. While this is a step toward progress, it doesn’t change the stigma and barriers that still exist for people in their communities offline. Mental health care remains inaccessible, difficult to find, and full of discrimination, biases, and misinformation for many. Understanding the state of mental health requires a bit of a balancing act. It’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, the conversations that are happening, and the work being done to make mental health care more informed and readily available. At the same time, looking ahead at the work to still be done can be daunting. But we’re in this for the long haul. A world where your mental health is seen, heard, and cared for is a world worth fighting for. This next month, we’re focusing on how to show up for yourself in this very moment, while also addressing how we can continue to improve care in the future. [57.8 million adults in the United States have a mental illness of some kind, and less than half have received mental health care.] [Over one in ten youth in the U.S. are experiencing depression that is severely impairing their ability to function at school or work, at home, with family, or in their social life.] [In the U.S., there are an estimated 350 individuals for every mental health provider. ] [The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.] Sources: [1. National Institute of Mental Health]( [2. Mental Health America]( [3. National Alliance on Mental Illness]( The truth about mental health. There is good news to be found. According to NAMI, in 2020 46.2% of adults struggling with a mental illness received treatment. This is an increase from the approximately 34% that was previously reported. This means more people are tackling stigma, reaching out for help, and finding the resources they need to move forward in their mental health journey. At the same time, we know this reality still feels far away for most. Things like provider shortages, inadequate funding and education, and insurance issues are just some of the systemic ways that people still struggle to get the care they deserve. On top of those barriers, the influence of stigma that silences so many continues to speak loudly. In a 2019 national poll [conducted by the American Psychiatric Association]( about half of workers reported being concerned about discussing mental health issues at their jobs. More than one out of three were concerned that if they spoke out, they might receive retaliation or even lose their job. Stigmas like this impact an individual’s perception of mental illness both in themselves and in others. Whether it is negative media portrayals, misunderstanding, or personal stigma from those around you, we know that ignoring these voices can be a fight in and of itself. So how do we go about bridging the gaps left both systemically and societally? It’s a fight that we’re in together. We are leading the conversation and creating an online community that can carry over into everyday life—coffee shop conversations, workplaces, schools, and more. When we practice not caring about stigma, then we aren’t controlled by it. TWLOHA is providing funds to individuals and providers who are seeking/providing care in areas with shortages and underfunded programs. We are sharing stories of those who have overcome and still battle with mental challenges of all kinds. We lift up the voices of the communities that are underrepresented and stigmatized because of their race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. We’re here to help you find ways to care for yourself against all odds and we are showing up for you so that you can show up for yourself. We’ve come so far and we will only get further by taking this fight one day at a time. [Mental health is health.] In online spaces, it’s generally safe to say that mental health is no longer as taboo as it was a decade ago. While this is a step toward progress, it doesn’t change the stigma and barriers that still exist for people in their communities offline. Mental health care remains inaccessible, difficult to find, and full of discrimination, biases, and misinformation for many. Understanding the state of mental health requires a bit of a balancing act. It’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, the conversations that are happening, and the work being done to make mental health care more informed and readily available. At the same time, looking ahead at the work to still be done can be daunting. But we’re in this for the long haul. A world where your mental health is seen, heard, and cared for is a world worth fighting for. This next month, we’re focusing on how to show up for yourself in this very moment, while also addressing how we can continue to improve care in the future. [57.8 million adults in the United States have a mental illness of some kind, and less than half have received mental health care. ] [Over one in ten youth in the U.S. are experiencing depression that is severely impairing their ability to function at school or work, at home, with family, or in their social life.] [In the U.S., there are an estimated 350 individuals for every mental health provider. ] [The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.] Sources: [1. National Institute of Mental Health]( | 2. Mental Health America | [3. National Alliance on Mental Illness]( The truth about mental health. There is good news to be found. According to NAMI, in 2020 46.2% of adults struggling with a mental illness received treatment. This is an increase from the approximately 34% that was previously reported. This means more people are tackling stigma, reaching out for help, and finding the resources they need to move forward in their mental health journey. At the same time, we know this reality still feels far away for most. Things like provider shortages, inadequate funding and education, and insurance issues are just some of the systemic ways that people still struggle to get the care they deserve. On top of those barriers, the influence of stigma that silences so many continues to speak loudly. In a 2019 national poll [conducted by the American Psychiatric Association]( about half of workers reported being concerned about discussing mental health issues at their jobs. More than one out of three were concerned that if they spoke out, they might receive retaliation or even lose their job. Stigmas like this impact an individual’s perception of mental illness both in themselves and in others. Whether it is negative media portrayals, misunderstanding, or personal stigma from those around you, we know that ignoring these voices can be a fight in and of itself. So how do we go about bridging the gaps left both systemically and societally? It’s a fight that we’re in together. We are leading the conversation and creating an online community that can carry over into everyday life—coffee shop conversations, workplaces, schools, and more. When we practice not caring about stigma, then we aren’t controlled by it. TWLOHA is providing funds to individuals and providers who are seeking/providing care in areas with shortages and underfunded programs. We are sharing stories of those who have overcome and still battle with mental challenges of all kinds. We lift up the voices of the communities that are underrepresented and stigmatized because of their race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. We’re here to help you find ways to care for yourself against all odds and we are showing up for you so that you can show up for yourself. We’ve come so far and we will only get further by taking this fight one day at a time. You are not alone. [A national survey]( of 14-22-year-olds found that 90% of teens who are struggling with their mental health are turning to the internet, and 75% find themselves connecting with other people’s stories through blogs and podcasts. If you’re looking for proof that you aren’t the only one who feels this way, here it is, friend. We hope these stories can bring understanding, empathy, and connection to you as you continue caring for your mental health. [Podcast: On Mountains, Mental Health, and Metaphors]( [''We're Doing a Disservice to Our Struggling Kids'' blog]( [''Why I've Decided to Go to Therapy'' Blog]( You're not alone. [A national survey]( of 14-22-year-olds found that 90% of teens who are struggling with their mental health are turning to the internet, and 75% find themselves connecting with other people’s stories through blogs and podcasts. If you’re looking for proof that you aren’t the only one who feels this way, here it is, friend. We hope these stories can bring understanding, empathy, and connection to you as you continue caring for your mental health. [Podcast: On Mountains, Mental Health, and Metaphors](   [Podcast: Counselors Seek Counseling](   [''We're Doing a Disservice to Our Struggling Kids'' blog]( [''Why I've Decided to Go to Therapy'' Blog]( [''We Deserve to Seek Help Without Stigma'' Blog]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. We know how important sharing our stories can be, and our team would love to hear from you. If you’re interested in submitting a piece to the TWLOHA Blog for consideration, you can send your 400-900 word draft (no PDFs) to blog@twloha.com. (Note: This is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [It's OK to reach out for help.] Let the voice of hope + help be louder than the voice of stigma. You are worthy of care, and we’re here to help. Our FIND HELP Tool can connect you with local and affordable resources in your area and online. [EXPLORE YOUR RESOURCES]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. We know how important sharing our stories can be, and our team would love to hear from you. If you’re interested in submitting a piece to the TWLOHA Blog for consideration, you can send your 400-900 word draft (no PDFs) to blog@twloha.com. (Note: This is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [It's OK to reach out for help.] Let the voice of hope + help be louder than the voice of stigma. You are worthy of care, and we’re here to help. Our FIND HELP Tool can connect you with local and affordable resources in your area and online. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( [Hope is real. Help is real. 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