Invest in a Healthier Future

One of my goals for One Percent Harder is to provide access to therapy. As an advocate for mental health it is important that those who are struggling with mental health get the help they need. Starting May 1st, 2022 in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, 10% of proceeds go to a OPH Club Fund through Wheeler's Academic Booster Club Foundation. All money raised is to help fund mental health counseling initiatives at Wheeler. Please consider donating as every dollar helps. 

Wheeler has a school counselor for every 400 students. These counselors are academic focused and not prepared to listen to each of those 400 kids struggles. There needs to be an outlet for those that need it and can't afford or have access to a mental health counselor.

Here are some facts about mental health:

  • More than 43 million Americans struggle with mental illness.
  • 1 in 5 young people (age 13-18) has or will develop a mental illness in their lifetime.
  • Youth depression rates have risen from 5.9% to 8.2% since 2012. Depression symptoms can impact performance in school and interfere with personal relationships.
  • Most Americans lack access to adequate mental health treatment. 56% of American adults with mental illness did not receive care in the last year.
  • Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income. A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
  • Many factors contribute to the development of a mental health condition, including life experiences (such as trauma or a history of abuse), biological factors, and family history of mental illness.
  • Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
  • Members of LGBTQ+ community are almost 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Common signs of mental health issues include: extreme mood swings, changes in eating habits, excessive worrying or fear, problems concentrating, and avoiding friends or social activities.
  • 1/2 of all mental illnesses show early signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 3/4 of mental illnesses begin before age 24.
  • More than 1 in 4 adults living with serious mental illnesses also struggles with substance abuse.