06/11/2025
Happy Wellness Wednesday!
June is Men’s Mental Health Month in the United States – a time for our community to come together to shine a light on an issue that too often remains in the shadows. Mental health challenges affect men of all ages and backgrounds, yet many continue to suffer in silence due to stigma or a sense that they must “be strong” and deal with it alone. This month, we want to send a clear message: no one has to face these struggles alone.
The State of Men’s Mental Health
The statistics are a wake-up call. Nearly 1 in 10 men in the U.S. experience depression or anxiety each year, but less than half ever seek treatment – according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. That means millions of men are toughing it out alone, often because of the lingering stigma around mental health. In reality, mental health conditions are common and treatable – seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Men also face some unique and devastating risks. Over 6 million men suffer from depression annually – and many of these cases go undiagnosed or unaddressed. Millions more are battling anxiety disorders (for example, more than 3 million men in the U.S. have panic disorder or phobias). Tragically, too many men reach a crisis point without support. According to the CDC, men die by su***de at roughly four times the rate of women, accounting for nearly 80% of all su***de deaths in the U.S.. Every one of those losses is someone’s father, son, brother, or friend – we must do better for our loved ones.
Why do so many men hesitate to seek help? Stigma and societal pressures are a big part of the problem. Men are often taught to “man up” and hide their feelings, which can make it hard to reach out or even admit they’re struggling. The result is that men are far less likely than women to get professional support – even though support is available and effective. This is why raising awareness and fostering an open, supportive community is so important. No one should feel ashamed to say, “I’m not okay, and I need help.”
The Donaldson Legacy Project: Compassion in Action
The Donaldson Legacy Project was created to break down these barriers and ensure that everyone in our community can access help, especially those who might otherwise be unable to afford care. Established in memory of the late Dr. Katherine Donaldson and Dr. Kerry Donaldson – who dedicated their lives to making sure no one in our community was ever turned away due to financial hardship or lack of health insurance – this project honors their shared commitment to community, compassion, and clinical excellence.
Guided by that legacy of service, empathy, and inclusion, the Donaldson Legacy Project carries their mission forward every day. We provide pro bono and sliding-scale therapy and psychological assessments for individuals and families in need, so cost will not stand in the way of someone getting help. Our entire purpose is to make sure help is here for those who need it.
And the impact is real. Each time a father struggling with depression finds hope through therapy, or a young man battling anxiety learns healthy coping skills at one of our sessions, the stigma gets a little weaker and our community grows stronger. This is the Donaldson Legacy in action: turning compassion into tangible support and giving men (and their families) a place to heal.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s honor the men in our lives by making sure they have the support they need. Start a conversation – check in on a friend, a father, or a brother – and let them know it’s okay to talk about what they’re feeling. Sometimes a simple “I’m here for you” can open the door for someone to seek help.
We also invite you to join us in our mission to break the silence and save lives. The Donaldson Legacy Project relies on community support to continue providing life-changing services. Your generosity can make a lasting difference. Every donation to the project goes directly toward helping men and families access critical mental health care, extending the Donaldsons’ legacy of care and ensuring our neighbors get the help they deserve.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation to the Donaldson Legacy Project today. No contribution is too small – each dollar is an investment in a healthier, stronger community. Together, we can continue this legacy of hope, fight the stigma, and ensure that no man in our community ever has to walk alone on his mental health journey.
Thank you for being part of this movement. With your support, we can turn awareness into action – not just this month, but every month – and carry forward a legacy that will uplift our community for generations to come.
You can donate using this link:
https://app.autobooks.co/pay/donaldson-legacy-project
Or send a check to The Donaldson Legacy Project at 508 Grace St. Waxahachie TX 75165
