Approximately 18 veterans die by suicide daily, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other mental and physical injuries, are alarmingly common among America's veterans, putting them at a higher risk for suicide. But with family awareness, professional care, and timely response, many veterans in crisis can survive and recover. The veteran suicide rate has climbed from 23.3 per 100,000 in 2001 to 34.7 per 100,000 in 2022, 57.3% higher than the rate among non-veteran U.S. adults. Research shows that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans of post-9/11 wars have died by suicide, significantly exceeding the 7,057 service members who lost their lives in combat operations. Understanding the invisible wounds of war, recognizing who is most at risk, and knowing how to support veterans with PTSD can save lives.

Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that the discussion around mental health is not only a once-a-year conversation. It is an every day reality for millions of Americans. In Jacksonville specifically, it is more important than ever to continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental illness, while improving access to care. Hearts 4 Minds is committed to this goal every single day and works tirelessly year-round to help individuals connect with the care they deserve through community initiatives such as H4M Connect, Murals with Meaning, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and more. Mental health stats in Jacksonville are sobering: around 17% of adults report poor mental health for greater than 14 days, 16.2% have been diagnosed with depression, and from 2022 to 2023 there were 628 suicide deaths in Duval County. Despite increased awareness, barriers to care remain, including cost, long wait times, provider shortages, and stigma. H4M Connect is addressing these challenges by connecting residents to the care they need, bridging gaps, and saving lives.

April is Stress Awareness Month, and understanding the difference between everyday stress and a mental health crisis could be life-changing. Learn the warning signs to watch for, healthy coping strategies to try, and when to reach out for help.

Transform your mental wellness routine into an engaging game with Hearts 4 Minds' Self-Care Bingo. Each square represents a simple, powerful self-care task designed to help you build healthy habits while having fun. Complete activities, mark off squares, and celebrate your progress toward better well-being—one square at a time.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is observed every year in late February to early March and is an important time to highlight and bring visibility to a topic that is often shrouded in secrecy. Often thought to impact specific groups, eating disorders are a serious mental health condition that affects people, regardless of age, gender, race, and backgrounds. No matter who is impacted, shame and the fear of being judged or misunderstood keep many individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. Eating disorders often remain a silent struggle and can impact those struggling for years, but breaking the stigma and silence around eating disorders is a step towards healing. Increasing awareness is only the first step, but it is a crucial one in allowing those who need help access the care they deserve.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and it centers around love in all shapes and forms. Whether you are celebrating romantic, family, or friendship love (or a combination of all three), Valentine's Day goes beyond heart-shaped chocolates, conversation hearts, and handwritten cards. Love is worth celebrating, but this holiday can also add unneeded pressure to prioritize others needs before our own. At Hearts 4 Minds, we believe that the greatest form of love is protecting your mental health and inner peace. Putting and loving yourself first does not mean alienating others, but it shows a commitment in learning how to show up in relationships in healthy and sustainable ways.

January always brings a new start and focusing on new goals for the year ahead. Many of us may focus on physical goals such as running a half-marathon, productivity goals like keeping an organized planner, or hitting financial milestones. However, focusing on your mental health and wellness should be equally as important. Making intentional steps towards mental wellness and addressing concerns before you are struggling is a fantastic goal to focus on in the new year.

Burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a sign your mind and body need rest. From chronic fatigue to loss of motivation, burnout affects anyone experiencing prolonged stress. Learn to recognize the warning signs, combat burnout with practical self-care strategies, and discover when it's time to seek professional support.

Small actions can change a person's day or even their life. Holding the door open, offering to share your umbrella on a rainy day, a small compliment, or even a simple encouraging note can bring a smile to someone's face. Hearts 4 Minds is committed to breaking down the stigma around mental illness while building stronger communities, and this initiative spreads positivity through simple sticky notes.

Finding the right therapist can feel like online dating: endless scrolling, dead-end conversations, and frustration. But here's the secret—change your mindset. Look for vulnerability, compatibility, and trust your instinct. First impressions matter, but they're only part of the story. Credentials are important, but so is chemistry. And it's okay (even encouraged) to 'date around' until you find the right fit.

Mental health struggles don't always announce themselves clearly. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of mental health crisis and suicidal ideation—from behavioral changes to social media red flags. Understanding these signs empowers you to take action and potentially save a life. At Hearts 4 Minds, we believe education is key to breaking the stigma and supporting those in need.

TikTok has become a hub for ADHD awareness, with millions sharing symptoms and experiences. While these videos foster community and reduce stigma, a 2025 study found that fewer than 50% of popular ADHD TikTok content aligns with diagnostic standards. Self-diagnosis based on social media can be misleading—ADHD is complex and requires professional evaluation. Learn about the risks of self-diagnosis and how to find proper support.

Hearts 4 Minds is transforming Jacksonville's landscape through our innovative Murals with Meaning initiative, using the power of public art to break mental health stigma. Since 2021, we've partnered with talented local artists to create over twenty murals across Northeast Florida—from the 121 Financial Ballpark to local schools and neighborhood spaces. Each mural serves as a visual reminder that mental health resources are available and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through art, we're creating conversations, building community connections, and inspiring those who need it most to access the support they deserve.

Hearts 4 Minds offers QPR Suicide Prevention Training sessions for groups of high school age and above. These 60-90 minute interactive sessions teach participants how to Question, Persuade, and Refer individuals at risk of suicide. Our trained team provides real-world scenarios and tools to help identify warning signs and start life-saving conversations. Available to schools, businesses, and organizations in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas.

Hearts 4 Minds was founded by Sheryl and Todd after losing their son Alex to depression and anxiety in 2017. Born from grief, their mission is breaking down mental health stigma and improving access to resources. The dragonfly symbol honors Alex's love of nature while representing transformation—like dragonflies emerging from water to fly, anyone can change their life path. Through community initiatives, workshops, and resources across Northeast Florida, Hearts 4 Minds continues Alex's legacy of hope and support for those struggling with mental illness.

Today's mental health landscape offers numerous national services across various specialties, from therapy to community-specific resources. While these provide excellent starting points, the abundance of choices can be overwhelming.

For those in Northeast Florida, our H4M Connect service simplifies this process by matching you with resources tailored to your unique needs - because mental health support should always be accessible.

Our 2nd Annual Dinks & Drives for Dragonflies pickleball tournament brought together 40 teams at The Yards Picklegarden for a day of competition and an evening gala featuring an interactive mural. Thanks to our generous supporters, we raised crucial funds for Hearts 4 Minds initiatives that connect people to mental health resources and create lasting community impact.

Edward Waters University has taken a groundbreaking step in addressing the mental health needs of its student-athletes with the unveiling of the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering & Supporting Tigers) wellness room. This innovative space, created in partnership with Hearts for Minds (H4M), is designed to provide a dedicated area for student-athletes to focus on their mental well-being.  

Since Hearts 4 Minds was founded, Rebecca Ackerman has been there to put her heart into the organization and its mission. After all, its founder, Sheryl Johnson, is her aunt and Alex was her younger cousin by four weeks. In 2017, Alex passed away after a prolonged battle against anxiety and depression. When Ackerman saw Johnson begin working to transform that tragic loss into something bigger, she knew she wanted to be a part of it
and she has been part of the organization ever since.

While the world will always have its problems, Ackerman believes in the power of the helpers.

The holiday season is a fun time of year, but it can also be stressful and bring up feelings of anxiety and depression. Learn about 7 actionable steps you can take during this time to maintain your mental health and navigate the season like a pro.