Collective Voices Event on Mental Health Scheduled for October 10 at Selby Gardens

SARASOTA, Fla. - Collective Voices: From Silence to Strength will host an event on October 10 at Selby Gardens to commemorate World Mental Health Day, with this year's theme being "Real Voices, Lived Experiences." The gathering will include veterans, mental health professionals, caregivers, survivors, and community organizations, focusing on issues such as mental health, suicide prevention, PTSD, addiction, trauma, grief, and caregiver support.

The event will feature guest speakers, panel discussions, and personal stories from veterans. Attendees can explore community resources, wellness activities, music, dance, and the interplay between nature and emotional well-being. Organizers aim to connect individuals struggling with mental health issues to available resources they might not know about.

The event will particularly focus on veterans and those impacted by PTSD, with proceeds going to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to enhance an existing kayaking program that aids veterans in connecting with nature and their peers. Organizers emphasize the importance of fostering conversations that reduce stigma around seeking help.

Open to the entire community, the event is not limited to veterans, but welcomes anyone dealing with addiction, grief, or mental health challenges. Collective Voices: From Silence to Strength will take place on October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.