Breaking the Stigma: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

November 22, 2023

According to recent studies, millions of people worldwide struggle with mental illness today. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 264 million people suffer from depression alone, while 19% of adults have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. With so much of the world struggling with mental illness every day, why is there still such a stigma surrounding mental health?

Let’s explore the importance of mental health awareness, how harmful stigmas around mental health can be, and what we can do to make the world a better place for those dealing with mental illness.

Understanding Mental Illness

The best way to start understanding mental health awareness is to have a clear definition of what mental illness is. Mental illness is a physical affliction of the brain that impacts behavior, mood, thinking, and emotion and can affect day-to-day functioning.

Anxiety disorders are extremely common in adults and can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are also very common.

Why Is There Stigma Associated With Mental Illness?

Historically, people with mental illness have been unfairly viewed as inherently dangerous or even cursed. The American institutional model of care, which involved locking people with all manner of mental illnesses, from depression to schizophrenia, away in asylums, only reinforced the myth that those with mental illnesses were dangerous. We are still fighting against these centuries-old biases today.

Another factor that leads to stigmas around mental illness is simple ignorance. The less a person knows about an issue — in this case, an extremely complex issue — the more inclined they are to feel threatened by it and, therefore, want to distance themselves from it. The adage “out of sight, out of mind” seems to be how many people see mental health conditions today.

Stigmas don’t only affect the people who have mental illness; they can negatively impact the friends, family, and caretakers of people with mental illness. Because of the stigmas around mental illness that persist today, only half of those dealing with mental illness receive treatment for it.

The dangers of untreated mental illness are quite serious: underperforming at work and school, fewer options for employment, and an increased risk of suicide. We need to break these stigmas and educate the population so that those suffering from mental illness can seek the treatment they need with dignity and respect.

Why Is Mental Health Awareness So Important?

With so many people around the world dealing with mental illness every day, it is important to recognize how mental health impacts the lives of those suffering, their caregivers, and our communities.

By increasing awareness of mental illness in our communities and just how many people are silently dealing with it, we can reduce misconceptions and stigmas. If people feel more comfortable seeking treatment, we will lower the suicide rate and help people with mental illnesses recover and be able to lead the lives they want.

What Can I Do to Increase Mental Health Awareness?

There are several ways to increase mental health awareness in your community. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was established in 1940 to educate, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and celebrate recovery, so participating in Mental Health Awareness Month is a great way to start! You can also contribute in the following ways.

Speak Up About Mental Illness

If you feel comfortable talking about your mental illness or that of someone in your family, share your story with those around you. The more people discuss mental illness, the less fearful people will be about the subject.

Volunteer at Mental Health Fundraising, Outreach, and Awareness Events

Creating awareness in communities that might not otherwise have access to educational materials is one of the most important features of mental health awareness. Events like the Insights Art Show benefiting the patients at Austin State Hospital help get the word out and normalize talking openly about mental illness.

Connect Advocates

Networking events are great for connecting mental health advocates. The more advocates can get together and discuss mental health, the better access to treatment they can achieve for patients.

Show Kindness and Empathy to Those Who Are Struggling

The first and most impactful thing any individual can do to improve mental health awareness is to treat anyone suffering from a mental health condition with understanding and kindness. In fact, treating all people with empathy and kindness would go a long way toward improving mental health awareness because so many are suffering in silence.

Your neighbor, your best friend, or the cheerful barista at your coffee shop could all be having their own private battle with mental illness; a little kindness goes a long way.

Continue Learning About Mental Illness and Speaking About It

Having frank conversations with friends and family about mental illness while learning about it is an important aspect of mental health awareness. Mental health is an ever-evolving field that is constantly making discoveries and dealing with new challenges. For example, the rise of social media over the past two decades has impacted the mental health of a huge number of people but it can also benefit the cause of mental health awareness as a tool to connect advocates and get the message out there.

Becoming an Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

By helping your friends and family get more comfortable discussing mental illness, you are raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental illness at the same time. Recognition and continuing education are vital to the ongoing battle against stigmas about mental illness.

What people should understand is that mental illness is something that millions of people deal with every day; even though it’s a challenge, it’s a part of everyday life for many people, and everyone deserves respect and empathy. With more mental health awareness, we can get more people the help that they need and help them go on to live happy, fulfilling lives.

To learn more about Friends of ASH and how you can get involved in destigmatizing mental To learn more about ASH Volunteers and how you can get involved in destigmatizing mental illness, contact us.

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Mental Health Fundraising in Austin: How Locals Support ASH

May 31, 2026

Mental health fundraising in Austin keeps patient programs at Austin State Hospital running that state funding simply cannot cover. From 5K runs to patient art shows, Austin residents are raising money for things that actually matter: birthday celebrations, holiday meals, therapy animal visits, and more. Here's how it works, what it funds, and how you can be part of it. Key Fundraising Events That Support Austin State Hospital Friends of ASH runs two signature community fundraising events each year in Austin. Both are local, accessible, and direct. Every dollar raised stays here. The Insights Art Show The Insights Art Show features artwork created by patients at Austin State Hospital. The most recent show included roughly 125 to 130 pieces. Attendees can purchase artwork directly, and QR code donation plaques displayed throughout the venue allow visitors to give on the spot. It does two things at once. It raises money for patient programs and puts patient-created work in front of the broader Austin community. For visitors who've never set foot near Austin State Hospital, it's an introduction to the people behind the cause. The Bunny Run The Bunny Run is an annual 5K that brings Austin locals together to raise money for mental health care at ASH. It's open to anyone who wants to show up and run for a cause that's genuinely close to home. How Austin Locals Are Making a Difference for Patients at ASH Not everyone raising money for mental health Austin, TX programs is crossing a finish line or buying artwork. Some are donating $25 online. Some Austin businesses have become devoted sponsors of the annual events and other initiatives. Some are volunteering behind the scenes and helping things run smoothly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and that community-level support meaningfully improves patient outcomes. In Austin, that support takes shape one fundraiser at a time. Here's what that actually looks like on the ground at ASH: Patients receive monthly birthday parties because community donations cover the cake and decorations. Families living more than 75 miles away can stay at the on-campus Family House, funded entirely through community giving, not state appropriations. Patients receive personal care items such as journals, hair gel, and underwear to preserve basic dignity during their stay. Off-campus outings, including bowling trips, sports events, and concerts, get funded so patients can practice real-world social skills and independence. The Pet Partners program, which has trained therapy dogs to visit patient units, covers its training and certification costs through fundraising. How to Start or Join a Community Mental Health Fundraising in Austin for ASH The fastest way to make an impact is to join something already happening. Here's what your options look like. Join an Event Sign up for the Bunny Run or attend the Insights Art Show. Both Austin State Hospital fundraising events are open to the public and designed for everyday participation. You don't need a professional background in mental health or a history of giving to show up. Start a Peer Fundraiser You can raise money for mental health programs in Austin, TX, by running a peer-to-peer fundraiser on Facebook Fundraisers or GoFundMe and directing contributions to Friends of ASH. It's a low-effort way to bring your personal network into the cause without organizing a full event yourself. Volunteer Your Time Volunteering at fundraising events is its own form of community support. The Volunteer page on Friends of ASH outlines the available roles and the process for getting more hands-on. Become a Business Sponsor Austin businesses that want to engage in community support mental health in Austin programs can sponsor events or contribute in-kind services. Sponsorship puts your business in front of a community-minded audience while directly contributing to patient care at ASH. The Impact of Community Fundraising on Patient Programs at ASH When you raise money for mental health programs through Friends of ASH, the impact is local and traceable. This isn't a national charity routing donations through layers of administration. The money stays in Austin and goes directly to Austin State Hospital programs. People at ASH are, in many cases, separated from their regular lives and communities for extended periods. Holidays can feel isolating. Birthdays can pass without acknowledgement. The experience of being cared for by the community outside the hospital walls, through a piece of birthday cake or a therapy dog visit, signals something much more than a small gesture. It signals that people haven't been forgotten. Get Involved With Mental Health Fundraising in Austin, TX Friends of ASH accepts donations year-round and welcomes new volunteers, sponsors, and community fundraisers at any time. You can start small. Donate once. Show up for the Bunny Run. Share a fundraiser with your network. Every contribution supports patients at Austin State Hospital who rely on community involvement for care that goes beyond clinical treatment. Explore ways to get involved and find the right entry point for you, whether that's a one-time donation, recurring giving, or showing up at the next Bunny Run. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Does Friends of ASH accept in-kind donations, or is it cash only? Friends of ASH accepts both monetary gifts and in-kind donations. Physical items such as art supplies, personal care products, and seasonal decorations have been sent directly to patient programs. If you're unsure whether a specific item is needed, reaching out to the organization before donating is the best way to ensure your contribution is used. 2. Can people outside participate in mental health fundraising in Austin efforts for ASH? Yes. While Friends of ASH primarily serves the Austin area, anyone from outside the city can donate online , run a peer fundraiser from wherever they are, or sponsor an event remotely. Nonprofit fundraising Austin, TX campaigns like the Bunny Run also attract participants from surrounding Central Texas communities, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville. 3. How does Friends of ASH decide which patient programs get funded first? Funding decisions are guided by the gaps left by state appropriations. Programs that directly affect patient dignity and daily quality of life tend to be prioritized, such as personal care items, birthday events, and off-campus social outings. The organization works closely with Austin State Hospital staff to identify what's most needed at any given time . 4. Are donations to Friends of ASH tax-deductible? Yes. Friends of ASH is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation. 5. How does Friends of ASH report on how fundraising dollars are used? Friends of ASH shares updates on program impact through newsletters and community communications. As a registered 501(c)(3), the organization is also required to file annual financial disclosures, which are publicly accessible. If you want to know where a specific donation went before giving, the organization encourages supporters to ask directly. Key Takeaways Mental health fundraising in Austin directly funds programs at Austin State Hospital that state law prohibits public money from covering. Friends of ASH runs two main annual events in Austin: the Insights Art Show and the Bunny Run. Donations fund specific, real things: birthday parties, holiday events, off-campus outings, therapy animal programs, and personal care items for patients. You can get involved by attending an event, volunteering, starting a peer fundraiser, or sponsoring as a business. All money raised through Friends of ASH stays in Austin and goes directly to patient programs. Friends of ASH has maintained this mission for over 70 years as a dedicated community partner to Austin State Hospital.