May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether focusing on loneliness, anxiety, lack of connectedness or the impact of social media on youth, it’s a topic that is top of mind for individuals, families and communities across America and the Inland Empire.
This month, organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, are amplifying efforts to bring awareness to the struggles faced by those with mental illness. We know many suffer in silence, yet healing can be found in community with others and through available resources to help battle a range of mental health disorders.
A 2025 study “Mental Health and Well-Being in the Modern Era” revealed rapid socioeconomic change, technological advancements, and lifestyle shifts have significantly impacted psychological health. Specifically, the study found that urbanization, digital dependency, social isolation and economic pressures are all contributors to the escalating prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and burnout.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are many changes we can make to proactively improve mental wellness, and there are many efforts across the Inland Empire aimed at accomplishing just that goal.
Over the past two years, Riverside Community Health Foundation and Love Riverside have worked in partnership with the city of Riverside to strengthen social connections among community members. Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a program of California Volunteers, focused on residents connecting with and supporting one another through volunteer projects that improved public spaces and issues they identified as being critical to their community.
By using the Resident Leadership Academy model, the initiative equipped neighbors to lead the efforts, creating a greater sense of purpose and empowerment. Projects by residents included tree planting, community events, food distribution, disaster preparation and the development of community gardens.
“As we saw food insecurity increase, we saw neighbors stepping up to help one another get food to their neighbors in need,” said Lynn Heatley, director of Love Riverside. “In times of fear and isolation, connecting with our community for increased friendship and support is vital to our ongoing wellbeing.”
Through projects like the Harvest Festival, which added 20 new garden plots in partnership with Norte Vista High School, the program turned dialogue into action. Not only were new relationships developed among neighbors, but families and youth began seeing themselves as community builders rather than passive observers.
“By creating these strong social ties and a shared community action plan, the program demonstrated that neighborhood connectedness is a fundamental pillar of individual and collective mental health,” said Miguel Lujano, senior health educator at Riverside Community Health Foundation.
In Palm Springs, the Blue Zones Project is working on a multi-year effort to help residents “live better, longer.” Although often known for its focus on improving physical health aimed at extended life expectancy, a core tenant of the effort is the importance of having a clear purpose in our daily lives.
Blue Zones recently hosted a “purpose workshop” at the 2026 Convergence Beauty Wellness Science Summit for 70 people. Purpose workshops are designed to give participants the chance to pause, consider what gives them meaning in life and to make intentional decisions that could lead to greater alignment with their desired purpose.
Whether it be investing in family, working with others, gardening, making music, prayer or serving your community, Blue Zones research indicates purpose gives us a reason to wake up in the morning, reduces stress, and promotes mental well-being.
Blue Zones Project also encourages community members to find or create a Moai. Originating in Okinawa, Japan — one of the original five Blue Zones – Moais are small groups of people committed to supporting each other for life through ups and downs.
“The idea is to keep it simple and practical,” said Mihai Patru, executive director. “Walking or hiking Moais bring people together around something easy and accessible. No pressure, no special skills. Over time, those walks turn into conversations, trust, and real relationships. People might come for the movement, but they stay for the connection.”
Local churches, synagogues and temples are also places where many find purpose. At Life Church Victorville, investing in their congregation’s mental wellness is an intentional effort. Not only do they host support groups, provide written materials on mental health topics, and offer a list of local therapists, they also recently completed a sermon series focused on anxiety.
“I have watched my own son struggle with anxiety and realize that the church doesn’t always talk about it even though so many among us are struggling,” said Senior Pastor Che Cowan. “We wanted people to know that seeking help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you wise.”
Using biblical examples of leaders dealing with stress and sorrow including Elijah, Moses and Jesus, the series shared practical techniques for reducing and managing anxiety. Tips included finding a safe place to talk about struggles and building an army to help fight the battle, emphasizing the importance of supportive friends, family and a trusted pastor or therapist.
Friends and family are often the first to notice changes in loved ones who are struggling. Changes in emotion, appetite, sleep, thinking, or behaviors are common indicators that someone may need support. To find help, resources including NAMI, SAMHSA, and Psychology Today offer many tools. For crisis support, call or text 988 for the nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
IEHP Foundation provides resources and support to strengthen the local leaders and nonprofit organizations that make Inland Empire families healthier. Because when everyone in the Inland Empire lives a full and vibrant life, our region thrives. Learn more about IEHP Foundation at iehpfoundation.org