Why We Raise Our Voice

At We Hold a Hand, mental health advocacy isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. We are committed to shining a light on the silent struggles affecting millions of people in underserved communities, particularly young adults, who are the foundation of our future.

The Problem We’re Trying to Solve

Too many people are unaware that poor mental health is quietly holding them back, damaging relationships, reducing their performance at work or school, and threatening their financial stability. These struggles often go unnoticed and untreated because of a toxic combination of stigma, low awareness, and lack of access to care.

In many underserved communities, talking about mental health is still taboo. Services are limited, culturally irrelevant, or simply unaffordable. As a result, young people suffer in silence, despite showing the most potential to shape and lead the future.

Mental Health is an Economic Issue

Mental health doesn’t just affect individuals, it affects our economy. A recent 2024 WHO study revealed that depression and anxiety alone cost the world nearly $1 trillion every year, with over 12 billion workdays lost due to mental health-related absenteeism. That's a staggering blow to both global productivity and local economies.

Mental health issues also drive staff turnover, reduce productivity, and increase burnout. In communities already facing economic instability, these losses are even more devastating.

The Link Between Money and Mental Health

Money matters to mental health, too. According to a 2023 Creditspring study,

“48% of young adults (ages 25–34) saw their mental health decline due to rising living costs. They are 3.4 times more likely to face financial hardship than older adults.”

The harsh truth is: those who are financially stable are twice as likely to recover from mental health challenges. But in underserved communities, that kind of stability is out of reach for many, creating a vicious cycle of mental and financial distress.

Why Our Advocacy Matters

Our mission is to break this cycle by

Raising awareness about how mental health impacts every area of life
Challenging stigma through education, stories, and visibility
Providing low-cost or free services like therapy, diagnosis, and group support
Training community advocates to reach those who feel forgotten
Creating safe spaces online and in person for healing and growth