Mental Health in Colorado: Why This Work Matters
- annabirman
- May 14
- 3 min read
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: a time to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and remind
one another that healing is possible.
Mental health affects all of us. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or something harder to name, we all carry emotional weight. But too often, people carry it alone. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to say clearly and compassionately: you are not alone.
Here in Colorado, the need for mental health support is urgent and growing:
Axis Integrated Mental Health, 2024; State of Mental Health in America Report, 2024; Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 2024; The Trevor Project, 2024
Need Help Now?
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Visit nami.org/help
LGBTQ+ Youth can contact The Trevor Project for 24/7 support
Text 'START' to 678-678
Healing Happens Here
At Medicine Horse, we witness every day how healing can begin in unexpected places—in a quiet moment with a horse, in the trust built between peers, and in the simple act of slowing down and being present. Whether someone is navigating grief, trauma, or illness, these moments become touchpoints for connection and growth. We strive to create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported—where healing is not only possible, but shared.
As one Wholeness with Horses participant shared:
“In a world with little choice, this experience gave me that and helped me exercise allowance for others to have choice. It also helped me focus on what I desire and need! Thank you!!”
Another participant said:
"The staff was so great, loved them! Being part of this program while going though my cancer journey was such a blessing! Coming every week was the highlight of my week and gave me something to look forward to go and be part of a group that understands what I'm dealing with! Being with the animals and spending time with them and learning how best to be and deal with horses was the best & I learned a lot!"
And from a participant in Operation Be Herd,
“I've really been opened to asking people and animals what they need and trying to meet where they're at, challenge them and myself to change with intention, and use body language and energy to make those asks.”
These stories are reminders that healing is possible—and that no one has to do it alone.
If these words resonate with you, we invite you to take action. Whether it's your own mental health journey or someone else's, your support matters.
How You Can Support Mental Health This May
If you believe in the power of connection and healing, there are many ways to make a difference:
Make a donation to help us continue offering free and low-cost mental health support
Volunteer your time or talents
Spread the word about our mission and programs
Join us at one of our upcoming events or support groups
Upcoming Programs & Events
🧘🏼 Meditation with Horses - May 17, 10:30 - 12 PM A peaceful, grounding experience open to all—no experience with horses needed.
Men's Support Group - May 22nd, 5:30 - 7 PM A monthly, men's support group designed for adults 18+ who identify as a man.
TTouch Clinic - May 24, 1-3 PM Discover the transformative power of the Tellington TTouch Method (TTouch), a unique approach that blends gentle bodywork with specialized ground exercises to address health and behavioral challenges in animals.
Connecting Through Grief - May 31, 10:30 - 12 PM A monthly grief support group designed to provide connection, healing, and support for those navigating the loss of a loved one.
🦄 Unicorn Festival – June 28, 5–7 PM A family-friendly event featuring unicorn races, crafts, photo ops, and more!
Brush with Grief – June 22 & July 19, 1–3 PM An expressive art workshop for those navigating loss, held outdoors alongside our herd.
Operation Be Herd – Summer Session A free 6-week support group for veterans and active duty service members.
Friday's, July 11 - Friday, August 15 from 9-11 AM
🌈 Rainbow Wranglers – Summer Session An affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth to build confidence and community with the support of horses.
Tuesday's, June 17 - Tuesday, July 29 from 5-7 PM
Gala at the Ranch - September 13 Join us for an unforgettable evening where the magic of Medicine Horse comes alive beneath the breathtaking Colorado sky.
Every action—big or small—helps us build a more compassionate and connected community.
