Serious mental illnesses often stay in the shadows rather than take the spotlight in conversations about giving and generosity. Though these diseases typically get less attention than illnesses like cancer or causes like animal welfare, for those who’ve been personally affected, they’re issues that are front and center.
Mental health conditions impact far more than thinking and mood. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that mental illnesses are the leading cause of years lived with disability. In addition, individuals living with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population, often of preventable physical diseases.
In addition, as WHO states, “the economic consequences of mental health conditions are enormous. Productivity losses and other indirect costs to society often far outstrip health care costs.” So often, mental health challenges rob individuals’ ability to work and put them at risk for unsafe housing conditions and homelessness.
The all-encompassing impact of serious mental illnesses is why the services the Well Community provide are so vital. And it’s the regular gifts of many faithful donors that makes them possible.
In spite of the devastating impact of mental illnesses, both for those who suffer from them and for their families, giving toward them remains relatively low in the United States. A 2024 report from Mindful Health Philanthropy reveals that in 2022, donations toward mental health represented just 1.7% of all philanthropic giving and made up less than 6% of all health-related giving.
Funding for serious mental illnesses (SMIs), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, comprises just a small fraction of this already meager slice of the pie. As Mindful explains, “SMI remains critically underfunded compared to mental health and well-being more generally. Despite SMIs having profound economic and societal impact … funding for SMI constitutes a small fraction (less than 1%) of overall mental health funding.”
Often those who give toward serious mental illnesses do so because they’ve personally seen the overwhelming impacts of these diseases. Mindful reports that personal experience with a loved one’s mental health challenges is a consistent motivating factor to begin donating. But giving toward mental health doesn’t typically cross the radar of those who haven’t had this experience.
This funding shortage often results in lack of access to care and to community support systems that can help those living with mental illnesses better manage their symptoms and stick with a treatment plan. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that just over half of those living with a mental health condition received treatment in 2024. And in Texas, those dealing with these illnesses face especially great challenges: According to the 2025 State of Mental Health Report, published by Mental Health America, Texas ranks 50th among the states for access to mental health care.
Though these statistics are sobering, they point to an encouraging reality: Amid the shortages, every donation truly makes a difference. As the Mindful report states, giving toward mental health causes “is integral to enabling the community-based supports that provide individuals living with SMI with connection to community, meaningful work, and care.”
This is why we at the Well Community are so deeply grateful for each person who partners with us. As our members navigate each day with life-altering illnesses, each gift enables us to come alongside them with care and resources and provide an environment where they belong—support they aren’t able to get anywhere else.
From the members of our Well Wishers Circle, who commit to monthly giving, to those who donate each North Texas Giving Day to those who serve as sponsors and underwriters for our annual Monster Mash, Halloween Bash, each one is making a difference in a time and place when the needs of those suffering from serious mental illnesses are often overlooked. Through them, our members’ needs are seen rather than remaining in the shadows.
As we focus on love in February, we encourage you to help us love our members well through a special gift or consider giving monthly through the Well Wishers Circle.