President’s Message (October Newsletter 2026)

Dear Mental HERO community,

As October comes to a close, Halloween is just around the corner, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and other holidays and traditions are approaching. For some, this season brings excitement, connection, and cherished memories. For others, it can be a difficult time marked by grief, loneliness, financial pressure, complicated relationships, or the absence of someone they love.

At Mental HERO, I want us to make room for both experiences. Someone can enjoy a celebration and still be struggling. Someone else may not celebrate at all. No one should feel pressured to be cheerful simply because the calendar says it is a joyful time.

This season, let’s continue having honest conversations about mental health, not just when it is easy, but when someone needs patience, understanding, or a place to belong. Helping does not always require a grand gesture. It might mean checking in with a friend, inviting someone to join an activity without pressuring them, offering practical help, or listening without trying to fix everything.

Instead of assuming someone is doing well, we can ask, “How are you feeling about the holidays?” or “What would feel supportive to you right now?” We can respect different traditions, make room for people who are grieving, and remember those who may feel overlooked.

And if this season feels difficult for you, you belong in this community, too. You do not owe anyone a perfect holiday experience. It is okay to set boundaries, take a break, change your plans, and ask for support. Caring for others should not mean forgetting to care for yourself.

Thank you for being part of Mental HERO as we continue building opportunities for education, connection, and understanding. As we move into the coming months, let’s carry one intention with us: kindness that makes room for what people are truly experiencing, not just what we expect the season to look like.

With gratitude,
David Artz
Founder & President
Mental HERO