The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year. But for many, they’re also the loneliest.
A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89 percent of U.S. adults feel stress during the holidays, with 41 percent saying their stress is higher than at any other time of year.
As president and CEO of Peg’s Foundation — one of Ohio’s largest mental health philanthropies dedicated to advancing awareness, innovation and access to care — I have spent decades walking alongside people and organizations working to change our nation’s approach to mental health.
I see both sides: the immense progress we’ve made and how far we still have to go.
The good news? You don’t have to be a clinician or a policymaker to make a difference. Each of us can play a role in building a culture where mental wellness is treated as a shared responsibility.
Real progress happens when we walk beside one another.
Here are three simple steps anyone can take to make this season — and our communities — stronger and more compassionate.
Learn to see the signs — and act
Mental Health First Aid training is available in nearly every community, including versions designed for youth.
These programs teach people how to recognize early signs of distress, approach someone who may be struggling and connect them to help.
Think of it as CPR for the mind.
If you see someone in pain, you’ll know what to do and, more importantly, you’ll have the confidence to do it.
Find a local course at mentalhealthfirstaid.org. The investment of a few hours can save a life.
Practice self-awareness and self-care
Caring for others starts with noticing what’s happening within ourselves. Change Direction, for example, is a campaign offering a simple framework to recognize five signs of emotional suffering: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care and hopelessness.
When you notice these signs, take them seriously. Reach out for support, talk to someone you trust or connect with your local NAMI chapter.
NAMI offers invaluable education and peer-to-peer groups for families navigating mental illness.
At Peg’s Foundation, we host a NAMI support group ourselves — because it’s one thing to fund an organization and another to walk shoulder to shoulder with the people doing the work.
Find an outlet (for us, it’s art)
For Peg’s Foundation founder Peg Morgan, art and fashion were more than passions. They were outlets for expression and healing.
That legacy lives on through Peg’s Gallery, a space that celebrates creativity as a pathway to wellness.
Some of the most prolific artists in history have lived with mental illness, and their work reminds us that expression can be a bridge to understanding.
Whether it’s painting, music, writing or simply handing a child a box of crayons, art gives us a way to tell our stories and feel seen.
This season, know that people are fighting for you — coalitions of advocates, philanthropists and community leaders across the country who believe change is possible.
Because we care about the work, we learn about it.
Guest columnist Rick Kellar is president and CEO of Peg’s Foundation, leading its efforts since 2005 to expand access to mental health care, education and the arts. A former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, he brings decades of leadership experience to philanthropic work. He serves on several national and local boards and holds an MBA from Syracuse University and a degree from West Point.
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