This commentary is by Stacy W. Kramer, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont.Amid an increasing mental health crisis, communities across the nation, including our own here in the Green Mountain State, are searching for sustainable, effective solutions. As the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentoring. The evidence is clear: Mentoring not only changes lives — it can also be a pivotal part of the solution to our mental health challenges, mind you, a cost-effective solution.Recent data underscores the pressing need for new approaches to mental health support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans live with various mental health conditions, many of which go untreated due to stigma, lack of resources or access to care. This is also the case right here in Vermont. Yet, we here at Big Brothers Big Sisters know there’s hope in the form of human connection and building resiliency — mentoring.Research demonstrates the profound impact that mentoring can have on individuals with depressive symptoms, particularly among young people. A study published in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health journal found that a group of young people with learning disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who had access to a mentor reported fewer depressive symptoms and greater self-esteem compared to their peers without mentors.We have witnessed similar data right here with our Vermont youth. Mentoring provides a unique relationship that fosters emotional, social and academic support, often filling gaps left by traditional mental health interventions.Here in Vermont, we can lead the way in integrating mentoring into our mental health strategy. By investing in and expanding mentoring programs, we can offer a lifeline to those feeling isolated, misunderstood or in need of guidance. Mentoring doesn’t just benefit mentees; it enriches the lives of mentors too, creating a cycle of learning and growth, opportunity and support that ultimately creates stronger communities. Let’s be real — the cost of mentoring is significantly less than treatment or incarceration, so let’s rally around cost-effective preventative approaches. However, harnessing the full potential of mentoring requires a collective effort. Schools, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies must collaborate to create accessible, impactful mentoring programs. We also need to ensure that mentors are equipped with the resources and training to address mental health challenges effectively, providing a bridge to professional help when needed.Let’s not underestimate the power of human connection. By embedding mentoring into our mental health framework, we can create a more resilient, supportive and empathetic community. It’s time to act boldly, with the understanding that mentoring isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have in our pursuit to reduce the mental health crisis.As we move forward, let us remember that every individual struggling with mental health deserves hope and support. Mentoring closes opportunity gaps and harnesses the power of caring relationships in fostering well-being and joy. Together, let’s champion mentoring as a critical part of our mental health solution, ensuring that no one must face their darkest moments alone.This is not merely a call to action; it’s an invitation to be part of a movement that values every member of our community, particularly our most vulnerable youth. In the face of mental health challenges, mentoring stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for each one of us. Most importantly, it’s also a way for everyone to get involved, as a volunteer or supporter. Let’s embrace it wholeheartedly as part of our commitment to a healthier, more connected Green Mountain state. Visit the website of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont to join us as a donor or volunteer. Read the story on VTDigger here: Stacy W. Kramer: Mental health and mentoring.