Connection: What Does It Really Mean?

We talk about connection a lot, especially when it comes to young people. We encourage adults to listen, be present, and create a safe place for kids to share what they are feeling. But what about us? Who do we turn to? Where do we feel comfortable being honest?

Connection is more than sitting next to someone at church, attending an event, or cheering alongside other parents at a child’s game. Those moments can open the door, but being around people does not always mean we feel connected. We can have a full calendar and still feel lonely.

Connection grows when we move beyond a quick hello. When we take time to ask questions, listen to the answers, and share something about ourselves beyond “We’re good—just busy!” It is feeling seen, heard, and valued, and giving someone else that same feeling.

As adults, we often put friendships on the list of things we will get to when life slows down. But what if we made connection a priority now?

Maybe this month, set a goal to meet with one friend each week. Have coffee, take a walk, eat lunch together, or make time for a phone call. Reach out to someone you have lost touch with. You do not need a special occasion or a perfect explanation. “I was thinking about you, and I’d love to catch up” is enough.

If you have been wishing someone would reach out, there is a good chance someone else has been wishing for the same thing. That friend you assume is too busy may welcome the invitation. Someone who seems to know everyone may still be missing a meaningful friendship.



We remind young people that they do not have to navigate life alone. That message is for us, too.

This month, let’s make the call, send the invitation, and put time together on the calendar. Connection deserves more than whatever time we have left over.

Why does connection matter to our mental health?

Supportive relationships give us a place to share what we are carrying, feel understood, and receive encouragement during difficult times. They can help us manage stress and remind us that we do not have to figure everything out alone.

We do not have to wait until we are struggling to build those relationships. The connections we nurture today can become the support we lean on tomorrow.

October brings two important observances that encourage us to learn more, challenge misconceptions, and support people facing mental health challenges.

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 4–10, 2026

Mental Illness Awareness Week began in the United States in 1990, when Congress designated the first full week of October following advocacy by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Its purpose is to increase understanding of mental illness, promote treatment, and reduce stigma.

This week invites us to look at how we talk about mental illness and how we respond when someone shares their experience. Compassion begins with recognizing that a person’s struggles deserve to be taken seriously. We can listen without judgment, question stereotypes, and make it clear that seeking support is nothing to be ashamed of.



World Mental Health Day | October 10

World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992, as an international initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. It began as an effort to educate the public and advocate for mental health. Today, the World Health Organization and partners around the world use the day to encourage awareness and action.

Its global reach reminds us that mental health matters in every community. Awareness is part of the work, along with helping people access care, strengthening support systems, and making mental health a priority in our homes, schools, and workplaces.

How Can We Bring Awareness to Our Own Community?

• Start a conversation. Ask someone how they are really doing and make time to listen.
• Share reliable information. Use resources from organizations such as NAMI and the World Health Organization to help others understand mental health and mental illness.
• Choose respectful language. Avoid using mental health diagnoses as jokes or labels.
• Make support easier to find. Share information about local counseling services, support groups, and community resources.
• Bring others into the conversation. Invite your workplace, church, or community group to host a mental health discussion or educational presentation.
• Keep showing up. Follow up after a difficult conversation. A simple “I’ve been thinking about you” can be a meaningful expression of care.

These observances give us a place to start. The opportunity to listen, learn, and support one another continues all year.

What is Red Ribbon Week? A quick bit of history!

Red Ribbon Week | October 23–31

Red Ribbon Week is a national substance use prevention campaign that brings families, schools, and communities together to educate young people about the risks of drugs and encourage healthy choices.

This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” reminds young people that their everyday choices can positively influence those around them.

By wearing red ribbons, participating in educational activities, and having honest, age-appropriate conversations about substance use, we can all help build a community where young people feel informed, supported, and empowered to ask for help.



988

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

You don’t have to wait until a crisis to reach out. If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is available 24/7, free and confidential.

Your reason is reason enough.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!



EVENTS IN IOWA

Events in October:

NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley

• When: October 10, 2026
• Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Bettendorf, Iowa
• Focus: A community mental health awareness walk supporting free education, support, advocacy, and outreach programs while reducing stigma and reminding individuals and families that they do not have to face mental health challenges alone. (NAMIWalks)

NAMIWalks Northwest Iowa

• When: October 10, 2026
• Where: Children’s Park, Sioux Center, Iowa
• Focus: A community walk centered on “Mental Health for All,” bringing people together to raise awareness, support individuals and families affected by mental illness, and help fund NAMI’s mental health education and support programs. (NAMIWalks)

UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative Benefit Concert

• When: October 11, 2026
• Where: The Englert Theatre, Iowa City, Iowa
• Focus: The University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative’s annual benefit event supporting addiction and recovery efforts and helping bring greater awareness to substance use, recovery, and community support. (UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative)

Make It OK to Talk About Mental Illness

• When: October 14, 2026
• Where: Iowa
• Focus: A presentation through the Make It OK campaign designed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by encouraging open conversations, increasing understanding, and helping people feel more comfortable talking about mental health. (Iowa Healthiest State Initiative)

NAMIWalks Central Iowa

• When: October 17, 2026
• Where: Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Ames, Iowa
• Focus: A mental health awareness and fundraising walk bringing together individuals, families and community members affected by mental health conditions. Funds help keep NAMI Central Iowa’s support groups, classes, presentations and other mental health services available at no cost. (NAMICentralIowa)

Iowa Behavioral Health Town Hall

• When: October 22, 2026
• Where: Virtual — Statewide Iowa
• Focus: A statewide Iowa Health and Human Services town hall focused on Iowa’s behavioral health system, including mental health and substance-use services, community needs, access to care and ongoing changes to behavioral health services across the state. (Health & Human Services)

If your organization has an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our newsletter, please contact us.



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