Mental Illness Awareness Week is coming to an end, and one thing is clear: healing happens when we come together. We want to thank all of our supporters who helped us raise awareness for Horses for Mental Health and the healing power of horses.
Thank You to Our Mental Health Ambassadors
We want to extend our gratitude to @dennisquaid, @itsdarcilynne, @realsophiegrace, @maggiemcclure, and @lexiehayden who supported Horses for Mental Health during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Your voices helped us reach new audiences, expand our impact, and spread the joy and passion we all share for horses.
With all of your support, we are raising awareness for the power of horses to heal and create lasting change in the lives of those facing mental health challenges. We are stronger together, united under one mission to make mental health care more accessible and inclusive for all.
A special thank you to Adkins Entertainment for their incredible support and press release highlighting the powerful advocacy of the celebrities who are helping fuel our mission. You can read the full release here: Dennis Quaid and More Partner with Horses for Mental Health
Thank you for supporting Horses for Mental Health and helping make a difference!
Mental Illness Awareness Week: The Power of Community
Mental illness can be profoundly isolating, both for those who are living with it and for the loved ones who support them. Feelings of shame, misunderstanding, or fear can push people into isolation, making their struggles feel heavier and harder to carry. That’s why it’s so important for those experiencing mental illness and those supporting them to lean in—to listen, connect, and be there. It takes a circle of support to overcome these challenges, reminding us that mental health flourishes when we come together.
Building a Supportive Community
Building a supportive community for those facing mental illness starts with understanding and connection. Mental illness and isolation are closely linked, with loneliness increasing the risk of depression by 40% and social isolation raising the likelihood of premature death by 29%(HHS). For people with mental health needs, being part of a connected, compassionate community can significantly improve well-being.
Here are practical ways to build a community that uplifts and supports individuals living with a mental illness:
- Normalize the conversation: Making mental health an everyday topic helps reduce stigma and creates a safe space for people to open up. Research shows that 64% of Americans believe that the U.S. needs to do more to improve mental health services. (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
- Offer consistent support: Whether it’s a phone call, message, or visit, regular check-ins help those struggling feel less isolated. Consistent support builds trust and reassures them that they are not alone.
- Educate yourself and others: Understanding mental health conditions and their impact can foster compassion. Sharing what you learn with others in your community makes a meaningful difference in how people support those who are struggling.
- Create a judgment-free zone: Cultivate a space—whether in person or online—where people feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. Offering a safe, non-judgmental environment can encourage openness and reduce isolation.
- Encourage professional help: Make mental health resources easily accessible and encourage seeking help when needed. Providing guidance on therapy or counseling options can make taking that first step less overwhelming.
By building a compassionate and informed community, we can create an environment where people with mental illness feel supported, understood, and empowered to seek the help they need.
A Quiet Connection
Healing can often begin in the most unexpected places. For one six-year-old girl, grieving the tragic loss of her best friend in a car crash, it started with the quiet presence of horses and the unwavering support of her grandmother. After losing her best friend, she shut down, retreating into silence and sadness. Her grandmother, knowing the power of community, brought her to a mental health program incorporating horses.
After weeks of showing up to the sessions refusing to participate and retreating into her isolation, the young girl finally came around and decided to go out to the arena. Her effort that day was rewarded with a moment of transformation. In a rare moment, she walked into the arena with the facilitator and found several animals – horses, dogs, and even the barn cat lying together peacefully. It was a strange sight because the animals didn’t normally venture into each other’s spaces. The facilitator was confused but honored the moment in silence. After a moment, the facilitator asked, “What do you think is happening?” The little girl gazed at them, and she quietly said, “They all look so at peace. I think they’re in heaven like my friend is.”
At that moment, the weight of her grief began to lift. That simple moment and the support of her facilitator signaled the beginning of her healing journey.
Healing happens when we surround ourselves with a caring community—whether it’s family, professionals, or even animals.
Specials thanks to Polyvagal Equine Institute for sharing this incredible story.
Check out our beautifully illustrated storybook that tells this powerful story of community through illustrations: A Quiet Connection
The Journey Doesn't End Here
While Mental Illness Awareness Week may be over, the journey toward better mental health education and treatment is ongoing! Give $25 today to show your support for Horses for Mental Health.
