Philanthropy Leading the Way in Mental Health and Well-Being

by Alyson Niemann, Executive Director of Mindful Philanthropy and Tyler Norris, CEO of Well Being Trust

Our world is rapidly changing. We are living in a time of disruption and layered crises that are contributing to a decline in our nation’s well-being. From our youth to our seniors, more of us are struggling, and more of us are dying early. In facing these rising challenges, philanthropy has a leadership opportunity to make an unprecedented impact on mental health and well-being outcomes that can benefit every part of our society. During Mental Health Awareness Month, Mindful Philanthropy and Well Being Trust reflect on the trends that have brought us to this point, shifts in the mental health landscape, and compelling areas of opportunity for philanthropy to create lasting change forward.

Historically, our society has shrouded conversations about mental health and addiction challenges in expressions of blame, stigma, secrecy, and fear. As a result, mental illness and addiction was not addressed within the mainstream medical system for centuries. Today in our communities, those struggling with serious mental illness are joined by ever more Americans struggling with their addictions, and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Yet still, millions go undiagnosed, or cannot access meaningful affordable care, and/or what is offered does not work for them as co-producers of their own health. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, sustained racial injustice, lack of economic opportunity, political polarization, and climate change have further exacerbated already rising rates of anxiety and despair, with youth and people of color bearing the greatest brunt of these forces. 

Amidst these co-occurring challenges, we also see bright spots everywhere bringing cause for hope. Every day, we hear from funders who want to help, but don’t know where to best start, or how to assure impact.  In the coming decade, funders have a vital role to play in our nation’s mental health by shifting the focus of our mental health efforts from a primary focus on sickness care and crisis to integrating prevention, healing, community support, and recovery. 

This is an opportune time for philanthropy to envision, engage, and invest in a re-imagined mental health system, and the vital community conditions essential for all Americans to thrive.  

Read the full article here, and discover five key areas for philanthropy to lead the way in redesigning our country’s way of addressing mental health, addiction, and well-being.