Supporting Mental Health in the Rare Disease Community: Give an Hour's Resources

Navigating a rare disease like myasthenia gravis (MG) can come with more than just physical challenges, emotional and mental well-being are often deeply impacted too. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight Give an Hour, a non-profit organization providing accessible, no-cost mental health support to people impacted by rare diseases and their caregivers.

In July, Give an Hour joined us for our monthly virtual meetup to share more about their work and the tools available through their Rare Disease program. Their team provided an overview of the emotional burdens many rare disease patients face, along with practical steps to improve mental wellness, from finding support to understanding trauma responses.

What is Give an Hour?

Give an Hour is a nonprofit committed to providing mental health services to those in need, including military communities, survivors of mass violence, and people living with chronic and rare diseases. Through their Rare Disease program, they offer:

• No-cost mental health counseling from licensed professionals in their network

• Peer support groups and training

• Free educational resources designed to help individuals manage stress, trauma, and isolation

• Tools for caregivers to better support themselves and their loved ones

Why Mental Health Matters in Rare Disease

Living with MG or another rare disease often means managing unpredictability, chronic fatigue, and medical uncertainty. These experiences can lead to increased anxiety, depression, or grief. Give an Hour recognizes this and provides a judgment-free space for patients and caregivers to be heard, supported, and empowered.

How to Access Support

• Visit the Rare Disease Community section on giveanhour.org.

• Contact Give an Hour to learn more about how Give an Hour can support you.

• Utilize emotional wellness resources specifically designed for the rare disease community, including caregivers who often navigate isolation and high emotional load.

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Learn More

If you missed the July meetup or want to explore their free resources, visit their Rare Disease page: giveanhour.org/rare

We’re grateful to partner with organizations like Give an Hour to make mental wellness a priority for our MG community.