Our Story
Growth Through Adversity
“As I retire from a 20+ year career on Wall Street, I’m reflecting on how to spend the next decade with purpose—and how to use the executive skills I’ve developed to serve my community. I have long been inspired by my mother’s work and have witnessed first-hand the difference she has made for people living with depression. Building on what she created is a way to honor her legacy and commemorate my father, while extending what has been learned through the nonprofit in Hong Kong to support more people elsewhere. Losing my father is a tragedy, but it also gives me an obligation to use my position to advocate for mental wellness so fewer families have to experience the pain we went through.
The need is urgent. Even as the economy grows, mental health challenges continue to rise—and this is what prompted my mother and me to take action. A few realities that shaped my decision include:
- In the U.S., more than a quarter of adults report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
- In Utah, the suicide rate has been among the highest in the nation (for example, 7th highest in 2022).”
— Eva Chan, Chairperson of Dance with Depression
Our Core Values
Mental Health is the Foundation of our Well-Being
Extensive research shows that connection to our community is essential to mental wellness and a key contributor to happiness. Community support also plays a critical role in connecting individuals in need with other forms of care and in providing ongoing support when acute care is not needed.
We support initiatives that equip individuals with knowledge and awareness empowering them to restore balance and activate their body’s innate capacity to heal, both physically and mentally.
We believe that sustainable impact requires strong governance and clear accountability. Organizations that hold their boards and staff accountable for delivering to their mission are best positioned to deliver lasting impact. This belief guides our partnership decisions.
Our Name
Why “Dance with Depression” ?
“Dance with Depression” is the name of the nonprofit Dr. Therese Chan started in Hong Kong 24 years ago. For the sister nonprofit based in Utah, we kept the same name because it resonates deeply with our core belief.
We believe that life moves in rhythms—sometimes rising and other times falling. Instead of labeling these feelings of depression or anxiety as personal weakness and trying to eliminate or suppress them, we learn to embrace them with self-compassion and transform suffering into opportunities for learning, growth, and even joy.
Each person can also be understood as comprised of different parts—some that feel hopeful and some that feel heavy. Life becomes a journey of learning how these inner “partners” can dance together. Sometimes one leads; other times the other does. Resilience grows as we trust that better times will return and the joyous partner will lead again. Our work centers on community, so individuals don’t have to dance alone. Community support resembles a group of dancers moving together in shared rhythm—an interconnected whole that helps each person find love and belonging.
Board of Directors
Biographies
