New collaboration gives creators an ongoing space to connect, talk openly about the realities of the work, and support themselves and each other
NEW YORK, September 30, 2026 — The Jed Foundation (JED) and Creators 4 Mental Health (C4MH) today announced The Check-In, a new monthly virtual gathering space where digital content creators can step out of “creator mode,” connect with peers, and talk openly about the realities of the work.
The creator landscape is changing rapidly, bringing new opportunities alongside unique pressures. Constant visibility, changing algorithms, financial uncertainty, online criticism, blurred boundaries between public and private life, and the pressure to always be “on” can take a toll. In C4MH’s 2025 study of more than 500 North American creators, 62% said they experienced burnout sometimes or often as a result of their content creation.
Other research underscores both the impact creators can have on how their audiences understand and respond to mental health concerns and the importance of supporting creators themselves. Providing creators with trusted resources and community can strengthen their own well-being and the positive impact they have on the people they reach.
Both organizations have heard the need for greater connection directly from creators. Through C4MH and JED’s creator gatherings, participants have consistently expressed a desire for trusted, off-camera spaces and stronger peer support. C4MH’s research reflects that gap: 54% of creators surveyed said they wanted access to peer-support networks or creator communities, while only 27% said they currently participated in a creator community providing regular emotional or career support.
“Creators spend so much time showing up for their audiences, but too often they’re navigating the pressures of this work alone,” said Shira Lazar, founder of C4MH. “The Check-In gives them a safe place to show up for themselves and each other.”
The Check-In will take place virtually on the first Wednesday of every month, with new themes, special guests and experts, and candid conversations about creator life, along with practical tools and resources.
“Creators have tremendous influence on how young people understand and talk about mental health,” said Courtney Knowles, JED’s senior media advisor. “Supporting their impact starts with supporting them as people.”
The inaugural Check-In will take place October 7 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, hosted by Lazar and Knowles with special guest Mychal Threets (creator, librarian, and host of Reading Rainbow). Launching just ahead of World Mental Health Day (10/10), the conversation will focus on how to show up for your community while taking care of yourself, and the importance of reaching out for support if you’re struggling.
About Creators 4 Mental Health
Founded by longtime creator and TIME100 Creator Shira Lazar, Creators 4 Mental Health brings mental health and well-being resources to creators and the communities they reach through research, advocacy, education, events, and accessible support. Its work includes the first and most comprehensive study of creator mental health and CreatorCare, an affordable therapy program designed for creators’ unique needs. It collaborates with creators, platforms, brands, and industry leaders to build a healthier, more sustainable creator economy. Learn more at creators4mentalhealth.com.
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, school districts, and youth-serving community-based organizations to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
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Media Contact
Justin Barbo
PR Director, The Jed Foundation (JED)
[email protected]
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, text, call, or chat 988 Lifeline, or text HOME (or HOLA) to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
