On World Mental Health Day, Noah Kahan announces initiative has raised over $1.9 million for resources

Americana singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has announced that his mental health initiative The Busyhead Project has surpassed its original goal to raise $1 million dollars and has generated $1.9 million dollars for mental health resources to date.

The Vermont native and "Stick Season" singer, who recently played two shows in Nashville, has been open about his battles with mental health struggles and aims to amplify awareness and discussions around the topic.

“Today is World Mental Health Day, and I’ve never been prouder to announce that $1.9 million dollars has been raised for mental health via The Busyhead Project so far," a post on Noah Kahan's Instagram said Tuesday, Oct. 10. "Being able to use my platform to help bring some good to the world has been the highlight of my life, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity. Thank you.”

For World Mental Health Day, Kahan wrote an essay for TIME, discussing in detail his struggles with anxiety, depression and depersonalization episodes. In his vulnerable op-ed, Kahan writes, "In my early 20s, I started breaking down, drinking in excess, binge eating and then not eating. I would cry my eyes out to my parents and listen to their advice: get a therapist, take medication—we can help you."

Kahan created The Busyhead Project in May to help support organizations that deliver mental health treatment and improve access to care in underserved communities. In the five months since the project began, it has generated funds through Kahan's "Stick Season Tour," digital campaign and donors.

By the end of 2023, the project plans to have donated over $600,000 to support the work of different organizations like the JED Foundation, Jack.org, Here Tomorrow and Teenline.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: On World Mental Health Day, Noah Kahan says Busyhead Project has $1.9M