Every month I have the privilege of spending an hour volunteering at a local behavioral health unit. I brought with me a small bag of supplies—coloring pages, playing cards and a simple craft—but more importantly, I brought the intention to show up with presence, kindness, and zero judgment.
Behavioral health units often hold a quiet kind of courage within their walls. Many of the individuals there are navigating incredibly personal battles—some with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, or other mental health challenges. These are the kinds of struggles we don’t always see, but that deserve just as much compassion and care as any physical illness.
When I entered the unit with my supplies, a few patients were already gathered around the table, some curious, others cautious. I introduced myself and explained we’d be doing some simple activities—making affirmation cards, playing a card game or just coloring if they preferred. No rules. Just a space to create, to be, to breathe.
What happened next was beautiful.
One woman started coloring a positive affirmation page, one painted a craft, explaining that art helped him process emotions he couldn’t always put into words. A few other patients simply played a card game with me for nearly an hour—but as we said goodbye, they whispered, “Thank you for spending time with us and showing that you care.”
That one sentence reminded me why this kind of volunteering matters.
It’s not about fancy crafts or perfect projects. It’s about showing up. It’s about reminding people that they’re seen. That they’re worthy of gentleness. That someone cares enough to sit beside them, ask how they’re doing, and listen without needing to fix anything.
Mental illness can be incredibly isolating and lonely. Often, patients in behavioral health settings feel forgotten or stigmatized. But these human beings are still artists, thinkers, dreamers, and souls in need of connection. Offering just a small gesture—a conversation, a shared laugh, a colored piece of paper—can become a tiny light in a dark moment.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering in this way, I encourage you to take that step. You don’t need to be a therapist or an expert. You just need to be kind, patient, and willing to meet people where they are. Sometimes, the simplest things—a glue stick, a cup of markers, a few minutes of your time—can speak volumes.
Today reminded me that healing doesn’t always come from words or medicine alone. Sometimes it begins with cards and paper, quiet company, and a heart that’s willing to care.
Interested in volunteering as a Caring Companion?
Sign up with our “Reach In” Program, and show someone that you care.
Above all, lead with compassion—you never know how much it might mean to someone. You might find it healing for your heart and mind as well as theirs.
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To learn more about our Caring Companion Program & to sign up to volunteer please visit https://liveinspired365.org/pages/reach-in-caring-companion