World Mental Health Day: Volunteer Voices

“I want to help people who are struggling with mental health know they’re not alone. Volunteering gave me a way to turn my own pain into purpose.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Volunteer, 2024)

“After losing my brother to suicide, I started a nonprofit to raise awareness and provide peer support. Every time I share his story, I feel like I’m helping someone else find hope.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Mental Health Advocate)

“Volunteering became my therapy. It helped me heal from trauma and gave me the strength to help others do the same.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)

“Helping others helped me find my voice. It’s the most healing thing I’ve ever done.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Survivor Advocate)

“I lost my mom to suicide when I was 15. Volunteering helped me find hope again and gave me a way to honor her memory.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Mental Health Advocate)

“After my diagnosis, I felt lost. Volunteering gave me a way to reclaim my identity and feel useful again.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Mental Health Advocate)

“I started volunteering after my own mental health struggles. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me reconnect with my community.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Advocate)

“Service is my self-care. It’s how I stay grounded and remind myself that I’m part of something bigger.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Healthcare Worker)

“Volunteering helped me reconnect with myself. It gave me structure, community, and a reason to get out of bed when I was struggling.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)

“Volunteering helped me find peace. It’s how I care for myself while caring for others.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Volunteer)

“Volunteering is how I recharge. It’s my way of practicing self-care while making a difference.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Healthcare Worker)

“Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s communal. When we show up for each other, we heal together.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Organizer)

“I used to feel invisible. Now, through service, I feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Leader)

“It’s my way of meeting like-minded people and making new friends as an adult!”
— Volunteer

“I was struggling with anxiety and depression. Being part of a volunteer team gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me I’m not alone.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)

“I was burned out and disconnected. Giving back helped me reconnect with myself and others.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Educator Volunteer)

“Volunteering is important because it allows me to make a positive difference in my community, provides personal growth opportunities, fosters a sense of connection and belonging, and contributes to mental and emotional well-being.”
— Volunteer

“I am 77 years old and I like to volunteer because it gives me a purpose.”
— Volunteer

“Volunteering is my sanctuary. It’s where I go when the world feels heavy.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Leader)

“I believe that taking care of yourself is the first step to being able to care for others. That’s why I advocate for mental health awareness in every community I serve.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Organizer)

“The young people in our community are navigating growing mental health challenges. They’re facing increased social isolation and lack of meaningful opportunities to connect with others and contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
— Executive Director, Nonprofit