The Helper’s High: Why Giving Back is Good for Your Mental Health
While the holidays are eagerly anticipated by most, many Americans say their stress increases during this time of year. According to a 2023 survey of 22,061 adults by the American Psychological Association, 89% of U.S. adults say something causes them stress during the holiday season, with the most common reasons being financial worries (58%), gift-giving (40%), missing family or loved ones (38%), and having too much to do (32%).
Worth Reading - The mental toll of continuous transformation
This feels like a small hand being raised in the corner of a deafening room, trying to point out the obvious. We're only human. We need a break. That unsettled feeling you get every day at work might not be imposter syndrome or everyday stress, but the sheer exhaustion of knowing that you can never pause and focus on getting work done. The skills and knowledge you have now will be worthless tomorrow.
Welcome to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Podcast Channel, the official podcast home for Strong Talk, Ask Dr. Jill, and Elevating Voices—three unique series focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and health equity.
Strong Talk is hosted by Vic Armstrong, AFSP’s Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement. Each episode features in-depth conversations with mental health experts, advocates, and leaders about the challenges and solutions to making mental healthcare accessible to all.
Ask Dr. Jill features Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, AFSP’s Senior Vice President of Research, answering real mental health questions with the latest scientific research and help from fellow experts in the field.
Elevating Voices is a roundtable discussion series hosted by Vic Armstrong. Each episode brings together members of diverse communities to uncover the unique mental health challenges they face, and discuss strategies for solving them.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is America’s leading suicide prevention organization and the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, with local chapters in all 50 states., D.C. and Puerto Rico. AFSP offers education, loss support, and advocacy programs and events nationwide, including the Out of the Darkness Walks. You can learn more at AFSP.org.
For other forms of support, including resources for survivors of suicide loss, what to do if you’re worried about someone, and guidance if you’ve survived a suicide attempt, visit AFSP’s Get Help page: afsp.org/get-help
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for free, 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the producers or any affiliated organizations.
Mental Health Matters: 'No' is a complete sentence: boundaries 101 for the holidays
December is marketed as a season of joy, generosity, and togetherness, but for many people, it also becomes the most overcommitted and emotionally draining month of the year. Holiday events
Discussing racial trauma starts with real, uncomfortable, and necessary conversations -- all had on this episode of the Inside Mental Health podcast. Listen Now!
Mental health issues rise among LGBTQ and transgender groups
As incidents of harassment against LGBTQ and transgender individuals continue to rise, new research is highlighting the serious mental health challenges these communities face.
Men’s Mental Health Panel Emphasizes How Small Acts of Kindness Build Community
As Movember—or No-Shave November—kicks off, aiming to raise awareness about men’s mental health issues, Kelly Hughes emphasized how the small acts, like showing up for your friends or being open to learning more, can make all the difference.
Youth want more mental health support, assessment finds
Clatsop County has completed its Youth Prevention Needs Assessment, and the results? Young people say they need more mental health, social and communication support. Phase I of the assessment, which included focus groups, 16 community leader interviews, a community survey with 170 responses, and project management, began in March of 2025 and concluded in June […]
A new poll commissioned by the American Psychological Association (APA) has shed light on a disturbing trend among residents in the US. An increased sense of division is leading to a cascade of other negative effects.
Understanding Grief: Models That Help Us Make Sense of Loss
Grief can feel confusing, overwhelming, and unpredictable. There’s no map for it — no straight line from heartbreak to healing. But over the years, different models have emerged to help us understa…
The Comfort of Small Wins: Why Celebrating Tiny Victories Builds Big Confidence
Life isn’t always about giant leaps or headline-worthy achievements. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet moments — the ones that don’t make it to your social media feed but make you smile nonetheless. …
Artist Draws Wholesome Watercolor Comics Where A Cat Is Giving Out Mental Health Advice (20 Pics)
Artist Hector Janse van Rensburg is making us happier and our lives more wholesome with his comics that feel like miniature hugs and feature a meowtivational cat.
How Trauma Reshapes Thinking, Memory, and Response
Trauma is a physical imprint that can rewire the brain’s operating system. Terror or life-threatening experiences redesign how people think, recall, and respond to danger.
Friendship significantly enhances our emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Meaningful connections provide support, heal the soul, and remind us of our value. Illustrative biblical friendships,…
How can you improve your sleep for better mental and physical health?
536. Sleep isn't a luxury; it's a foundational deposit in your "mental health bank." In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at why consistent sleep is essential for mood, memory, immunity, and heart health. She looks at the minimum recommended sleep amount and discusses the positive ripple effects of protecting your rest.
