Every year on October 10, the world comes together to recognize World Mental Health Day, raising awareness of the challenges and advocating for care that is accessible to everyone. At the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), we believe that mental health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. For women and girls across Metro Atlanta, prioritizing mental well-being is not just personal; it’s deeply connected to generational stability, community strength, and opportunities for lasting change.

What Mental Health Challenges Do Women and Girls Face in Atlanta?

Mental health affects everyone, but not equally. Women and girls – especially those navigating poverty – carry a unique set of pressures that heighten their risk for anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Key challenges include:

• Economic strain: Nearly 1 in 5 women in metro Atlanta live with financial insecurity. Women in households with limited resources are twice as likely to experience mental health concerns compared to peers with greater economic stability. 
• Homelessness and mental illness: The 2024 Point-in-Time Report revealed that 48% of adults experiencing homelessness live with a serious mental illness, many of them women. 
• Cultural and systemic barriers: Discrimination, stigma around seeking help, insurance gaps, and a lack of culturally attuned providers limit access to care. 
• Caregiving pressures: Many women shoulder dual roles as wage earners and caregivers, leaving little time for self-care. 
• Challenges facing girls: Girls experience higher poverty rates than boys, along with unique pressures from online bullying, social isolation, and caregiving responsibilities for siblings. These stressors put them at increased risk for harmful coping mechanisms and school disengagement.

The resilience of girls is also clear: graduation rates are improving, and teen births have declined. With the right resources, women and girls can overcome these challenges and thrive.

How Is AWF Expanding Mental Health Access in Atlanta?

At the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), we believe mental health is essential to breaking cycles of poverty and creating stronger families and communities. That’s why we invest in programs that expand access to care and address the root causes of distress.

Our approach includes:

• Community-based counseling: AWF-funded organizations provide trauma-informed counseling in safe, neighborhood-based settings where women and girls feel supported and understood. 
• Direct impact in 2024: AWF investments helped 243 women and girls strengthen their emotional well-being. Another 166 improved their physical health, and 163 reported greater self-confidence. In 2025, our grantees aim to reach more than 2,000 women and girls with expanded services. 
• Research for the future: From July to December 2025, AWF is commissioning new, culturally attuned research to better understand the mental health needs of women and girls across five metro counties. This work will guide the launch of a new grantee cohort in 2026, ensuring our investments reflect the lived experiences of the women we serve.

By addressing financial strain, discrimination, and structural inequities, AWF and its grantees are not just treating symptoms, they’re building pathways for women and girls to thrive long-term.

What Are Simple Ways Women Can Support Their Mental Health?

In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2025, AWF encourages women, girls, and allies to take small but meaningful steps toward well-being. These practices are proven to support resilience:

• Connect with others: Strong relationships reduce loneliness and boost mood. 
• Be physically active: Even a 30-minute walk can ease stress and improve health. 
• Prioritize sleep: Quality rest restores the mind and builds resilience. 
• Practice mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, or time outdoors can help you feel grounded. 
• Build a support system: Reaching out to loved ones or a professional is an act of strength.

These everyday actions complement community-level change, reminding us that mental health is both individual and collective.

What’s Next for Mental Health Support for Women in Atlanta?

AWF envisions a metro Atlanta where every woman and girl has access to the resources and culturally relevant care she needs. World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the urgency, but also a call to action.

Through continued investment in programs, groundbreaking research, and community events, AWF will keep pushing for expanded mental health access.

One way to join us is by attending our upcoming Numbers Too Big to Ignore Fundraising Luncheon, featuring journalist and author Hoda Kotb, on October 29, 2025. Together, we can eliminate stigma, dismantle barriers, and create opportunities for women and girls to lead healthy, vibrant lives.

FAQ: Women’s Mental Health in Atlanta

Why is women’s mental health a priority in metro Atlanta?
Women ages 25-44 are the top demographic living in poverty in the region, doubling their risk of mental health challenges compared to more financially stable peers.

How does AWF support women’s mental health?
Through strategic grantmaking, investing in community counseling, and culturally attuned research, AWF addresses both immediate needs and systemic barriers.

What can I do to support women’s mental health locally?
Attend AWF events, support grantee organizations, and consider donating to help expand access to care.

Join Us in Empowering Mental Health for Women and Girls

Mental health is a cornerstone of economic mobility and community strength. On World Mental Health Day and every day, AWF is working to ensure women and girls across Atlanta have the resources they need to thrive.

Learn more about AWF’s mission and our mental health programs for women and girls in Atlanta at www.atlantawomen.org.