The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than one in five U.S. adults—or 57.8 million people—are living with a mental illness. And the PAN Foundation’s own national polling found that 40 percent of older adults with a chronic condition are concerned about maintaining their mental health.
That’s why we’re committed to connecting patients with resources that help with the support and management of mental health. Whether it’s through our transportation fund—which you can use to cover transportation to and from activities that benefit your overall health –or our mental health-focused disease funds, we recognize the critical role mental health plays for patients dealing with a life-threatening, chronic, or rare disease.
In addition to our financial assistance offerings, we also advocate for making mental health services and medications accessible for all and provide educational resources related to mental health.
Below are some external organizations that provide additional support for managing mental health for anyone dealing with or supporting someone with an illness. We encourage you to explore these resources and use them as needed, because you’re not alone.
PAN partners
We partner with national patient organizations that offer help with the complex physical, emotional, and practical realities of life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): DBSA offers wellness tools and both in-person and online support groups for people living with depression and bipolar disorder, providing a safe place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer each other hope.
Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA): The S&PAA is a catalyst for change, advocating for people with schizophrenia and psychosis disorders. This includes offering a hotline, educational resources, support groups, and more.
SHARE Cancer Support: SHARE supports women facing breast, ovarian, cervical, or metastatic breast cancer. You can use their hotline to speak with survivors or caregivers; connect with support groups; and access education programs, specialists, grief therapists, and more.
OutCare: OutCare is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ health equity worldwide, empowering millions of LGBTQ+ individuals with resources, support, and education. Their initiatives include the OutList, a directory of affirming healthcare providers and therapists, plus mentorship, training, support groups, consulting services, and more.
Additional resources
These external resources offer educational resources, support tools, treatment finders, and more. Please explore to see if any of the following organizations offer resources that could benefit you.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. They provide resources to help people find treatment, navigate common questions, screening services, education, and more.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH aims to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
Mental Health America (MHA): MHA is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and condition prevention. MHA offers crisis resources, information on mental health treatment, and information on finding help either for yourself or others.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI works to educate, support, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. They provide information on mental illness, support groups, resources, and more.
The Mental Health Coalition: The Mental Health Coalition is group of the leading mental health organizations, brands, and individuals who have joined forces to end the stigma surrounding mental health and to change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness. They provide a resource library to help different communities learn about mental health, help loved ones, learn coping skills, and seek support.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is working to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people. They provide crisis service, education, and more for LGBTQ youth and young adults.
Tips for managing your mental health, for patients by patients
Anyone can struggle with their mental health, but living with a chronic condition or rare disease can be especially challenging on your mental wellbeing. We asked the PAN Foundation patient community to share what they’re doing to manage their mental health. We share seven tips for patients, by patients. We thank them for sharing their advice and encourage you to use the tips that work best for you.
