A Fresh Start for the New Year January is often a time for self-reflection—a chance to consider who we are and who we want to become. Instead of focusing on losing a few pounds or going to the gym more often, what if we shifted our attention to examining who we are inside? True transformation begins with understanding and nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.
Remembering Owen It’s been over six months since Owen left us, and his absence is felt deeply every day. He was a source of joy and light. We miss his silly impressions and infectious humor. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people on a deep level. To us, the void Owen left at times seems vast and unfillable. The Goldfinch Foundation (GFF) has provided a path forward—a way to honor Owen’s memory by spreading warmth, joy, and a commitment to mental health awareness. To quote Owen, "a real man knows how to show emotional vulnerability at the right time".
Why Mental Health Matters
As a physician, I’ve witnessed the profound connection between mental health, social well-being, and physical health. Many of the patients I cared for in the ICU faced challenges rooted in lifestyle choices like tobacco, alcohol, and drug use—choices often influenced by underlying mental health struggles. Consider these facts:
Tobacco use is linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Alcohol consumption is tied to certain types of cancer and liver disease.
Obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
While genetics plays a role in many disease states, lifestyle choices frequently determine whether these predispositions become illness.
Promoting mental health isn’t just about addressing mental illness; it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their overall well-being. Vulnerability is a strength, and fostering open conversations about mental health is crucial in addressing the crisis facing teens and young adults today.
Bridging the Gap with GFF The Goldfinch Foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between experts and the community, offering education and resources to empower individuals to make informed health decisions. In today’s era of misinformation, providing accurate and easily accessible information is more important than ever. GFF also seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, while encouraging openness and mutual support.
Did You Know? The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), is a non-profit organization that provides health policy information, research, and journalism. Here are some critical insights into the current mental health landscape:
According to a 2022 KFF poll, 75% of U.S. adults report feeling uncomfortable or only somewhat comfortable discussing mental health with loved ones. This discomfort often stems from stigma and uncertainty about how to approach the topic.
A new 988 crisis hotline has been launched to connect individuals with mental health resources. However, 56% of adults are unaware of this resource. When informed about it, 85% of respondents indicated they would be likely to use it in a crisis.
A Call to Action for 2025 The start of the year is a perfect time to reflect on how we can contribute to improving mental health for ourselves and those we love. A few thoughts:
Establish phone free zones like at meals and in the car. Be present in the moment. Normalize conversations about mental health. Educate ourselves and others about available resources like the 988 hotline. Promote healthy lifestyle choices that benefit both mental and physical well-being. Explore how the arts. The Goldfinch Foundation is here to guide and inspire—reminding us all that we have the power to create a brighter future.
Community News
Save the date:
January 1-31 Dr. Tiff Watson at MPower Performance institute chose the GFF for her January give back campaign.
January 27thLipscomb University. Tennessee Symposium for Online Health and Safety featuring Jason Frost, co-founder of Wired Human, and Catherine Price, author of “How to break up with your phone” sponsored by the GFF.
