Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health influences how we think, feel, and act—and it plays a vital role in our ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and thrive.
Ongoing Awareness & Education
Throughout the year, YMCA of Greater Louisville partners with local organizations to host mental health workshops, panel discussions, and community conversations. These events are open to the public and designed to normalize the conversation around mental health, build resilience, and connect individuals to helpful resources. See upcoming sessions below.
The holiday months can bring joy, but also unique challenges. From November through January, we’ll offer a special series of engaging and fun programs designed to teach coping skills, manage grief, reduce stress, and start the new year with useful mental health strategies. To offer flexible participation, we’re offering a combination of in-person sessions at various branches and virtual sessions on Zoom.
Stay Merry: Holiday Stress Solutions | November 13, 12-1pm | Virtual
Join us for a virtual panel discussion, Managing Stress During the Holidays, featuring several community mental health professionals. Together, they’ll share practical strategies to help you cope with the unique pressures and challenges this season can bring. You’ll learn ways to manage expectations, set healthy boundaries, and create balance during hectic holiday schedules. Start your holidays with support, insight, and a plan for self-care from experts who understand the stressors we all face.
Presenters: Stewart Bridgman, Bridgehaven; Nancy Brooks, NAMI; Jeremy Brown, Maryhurst; Dr. Chauweda Smith, Total Life Counseling and Wellness; Kelley Luckett, YMCA of Greater Louisville
Peaceful Holidays: Strategies for Stressful Moments with Family | November 17, 12-1pm | Virtual
The holidays bring joy, but they can also stir up family tensions. Join us for a virtual session on practical strategies to navigate conflict and maintain your peace this season. You’ll gain tips for setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and keeping perspective when emotions run high. With simple tools to reduce stress and protect your well-being, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy gatherings. Start the holidays with confidence and a plan for a calmer, more meaningful season.
Presented by: Molly Rucks, Bridgehaven
Register for Peaceful Holidays
Supporting Yourself and Others Through Holiday Grief | November 18, 6-7pm | Republic Bank Foundation YMCA
The holiday season can bring both joy and sorrow, especially for those coping with grief. This in-person session will explore what grief is and why the holidays can be particularly difficult for individuals who are grieving. You’ll learn supportive strategies to care for yourself, set boundaries, and honor your feelings during this time of year. Whether you are grieving personally or supporting someone who is, you’ll leave with tools to approach the holidays with greater understanding and compassion.
Presented by: Jenny Martin, Hosparus Health
Register for Supporting Yourself and Others
Holiday Gratitude: Create and Celebrate | November 19, 12:30-2pm | Floyd County Family YMCA
Join us for a special in-person session where we will explore how to nurture a grateful mindset during the holiday season. This hands-on workshop will include a simple art project (no experience required), designed to help you reflect on and carry forward the blessings of the season. Each participant will leave with a meaningful project to serve as a reminder of gratitude throughout the holidays. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, create something special, and prepare your heart and mind for the season ahead. This session is being hosted by the Floyd County YMCA Active Older Adult Group, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Presented by: Tracy Adams, Bridgehaven
Register for Holiday Gratitude
Stress Less: Coping with Holiday Finances | December 3, 12-1pm | Virtual
Financial stress is a reality many face, and the holiday season often adds extra pressure. Rising costs, tight budgets, and the desire to support loved ones can quickly affect both your finances and your mental well-being. This virtual session will focus on practical tips to manage the impact of financial strain and help you protect your peace of mind. You’ll learn strategies to reduce stress, set realistic expectations, and approach the season with greater balance.
Presented by: Brad Leedy, Bridgehaven
Grief, Traditions, and Support for the Holidays | December 8, 12-1pm | Virtual
Grief can deeply affect how we connect with others through the holiday season. This virtual session will explore the ways grief impacts us and offer insight into maintaining healthy connections while honoring your own needs. The session will also highlight when it may be time to seek outside support and provide resources available in the community. Join us to find guidance, balance, and hope during this holiday season.
Presented by: Jenny Martin, Hosparus Health
Register for Grief, Traditions, and Support
New Year, Stronger You: Mental Health Strategies for 2026 | January 6, 12-1pm | Virtual
Start the year with intention by joining our virtual session. This engaging panel, led by professionals from local mental health organizations, will offer practical tools to help you strengthen your well-being and resilience in the months ahead. You’ll leave with strategies you can apply right away to support your mental health and build momentum for a positive year ahead.
Presented by: Molly Rucks, Bridgehaven; Nancy Brooks, NAMI; Jeremy Brown, Maryhurst; Lauren Muir, Martin and Muir Counseling; Kelley Luckett, YMCA of Greater Louisville
Educational Focus
The Y’s mental health programming is designed to raise awareness and provide tools—not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. If you're seeking clinical support, we encourage you to explore the resources below or speak with your healthcare provider.
Partners & Resources
We proudly partner with expert organizations to offer meaningful education and support. These trusted providers serve a wide range of needs and are excellent places to turn when more in-depth care is needed.
