For All Seasons Connects Acts of Kindness & Our Mental Health

For All Seasons, a nonprofit mental health agency and rape crisis center serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is recognizing National Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 14 to 20, 2026, to highlight how kindness can benefit our mental health. The American Psychiatric Association reports that recent research from the University of Ohio shows that acts of kindness benefit both the givers’ and the receivers’ mental health. An “act of kindness” refers to a good or helpful action intentionally directed toward another person without need for recognition or reward.

Research shows that performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety because it fosters social connection and a sense of belonging while also helping people shift focus away from their own symptoms. Kindness can also be contagious. People who receive acts of kindness are more likely to pass them on, creating a ripple effect that can be more powerful than we realize.

“Kindness can increase happiness and self-esteem while decreasing stress and emotional reactivity,” shares Katie Theeke, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at For All Seasons.

There are many ways to perform acts of kindness in our communities. These include checking in on an older neighbor, an authentic smile and thank-you to a store clerk, helping someone struggling with a door, sending an encouraging note or text to a friend or family member, or even complimenting the first three people you see each day.

“It is important to engage in acts of kindness because more people than we realize feel helpless when faced with the larger challenges happening in our world. Helping others gives us purpose in our lives and a sense of control – ‘this is something I can do to make things a little better in a world where so many issues feel out of my control.’ Not to mention, the smallest act will actually give you an emotional lift,” Theeke adds.

While reaching out to help others, it is important to recognize when you are the one who may need support. In a time when many individuals are experiencing heightened stress and uncertainty, seeking help is a meaningful and proactive step. For All Seasons remains committed to ensuring that support is accessible to all. Community members can learn more about the agency’s Open Access walk-in and telehealth appointments for mental health and crisis support at forallseasonsinc.org or by calling 410-822-1018.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.