How to Join the Challenge

You don’t need a script or perfect lighting.

You don’t have to share your deepest story.

You just need to remind someone they’re not alone.

This year, we’re making it simple. When one person speaks up, someone else feels seen. When one person shares, someone else feels hope. When one person says “I’ve been there too,” stigma loses power. You never know who your story will impact.

Join the movement. Remind someone they are not alone.

Choose one of the options below, post using #NotAloneChallenge and tag 2+ friends to share.


1️⃣ Post What Supports Your Mental Health

Post a carousel of things that help you feel grounded, or supported, or share a photo of someone who shows up for you.

Ideas:

  • Someone who makes you feel #NotAlone

  • Your dog

  • ⁠Your kids

  • The ocean

  • A morning walk

  • Journaling

  • ⁠Music

  • Community


Caption Examples:

“These are the things that help support my mental health. What supports you @FRIEND1 @FRIEND2? #NotAloneChallenge”

“@___ — thank you for reminding me I’m #notalone. Your turn to share @FRIEND1 @FRIEND2 ! #NotAloneChallenge”


2️⃣ Share a Tool That Helps You

Choose one free resource from our toolkit at NotAloneChallenge.org that supports your mental health.

Popular Examples

Post a video simply sharing the tool, why you like it and/or what you use it for. 

Caption example:

“One simple tool that helps me support my mental health is ____. Small things make a big difference. Your turn to share– @FRIEND1 @FRIEND2 #NotAloneChallenge”

Additional Ways to Support

If you’d like to continue to support the #NotAloneChallenge, here are some other ways:

1️⃣ Spread the Word

Post our official #NotAloneChallenge graphic (linked here), along with the link to NotAloneChallenge.org, on your story to help raise awareness.
Caption example:“Mental health impacts all of us. You are #notalone — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. For free resources, visit NotAloneChallenge.org”

2️⃣ Add #NotAloneChallenge to your bio

Include our #NotAloneChallenge hashtag, @notalonechallenge handle and/or NotAloneChallenge.org website in your Instagram bio to point people towards our free toolkit.

3️⃣ Start an IG Fundraiser

Select ‘Fundraisers’ under the Settings tab on Instagram.

Choose @inspiringchildren Foundation

Set a $$$ goalShare with your followers

Why The Challenge

Mental Health, particularly Youth Mental Health, has been declared a national emergency. At the time of writing:

  • 1 in 5 teens either currently have, or have experienced, a seriously debilitating mental illness

  • Suicide rates have increased 500% in ages 10-12 years old

  • 60% of major depression in youth is untreated

Singer-songwriter Jewel and her Inspiring Children Foundation started the #NotAloneChallenge to raise awareness around mental health and to offer free behavioral health tools online to “mental health deserts” in underserved communities. 

The Inspiring Children Foundation was founded over 25 years ago to help at-risk youth suffering with suicidal ideation, severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Through this unique program, young lives are transformed.