Action Absorbs Anxiety

In the U.S., more than one in five adults live with a mental illness, [1] and approximately 40 million experience an anxiety disorder each year. [2] The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 depression will be the leading cause of global disability [3]. These conditions affect groups differently “among races, ethnicities, and income brackets”. [4]

There are around 45,000 psychiatrists for 333 million Americans, about 135 psychiatrists for every million people. [5] Despite the demand, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing reports that most Americans (74%) do not believe mental health services are accessible for everyone, and about half (47%) believe options are limited.  

These beliefs underscore perceived barriers to treatment, including high cost, insufficient insurance coverage, limited availability, social stigma, and lack of awareness. [6]

Experts emphasize that mental health is universal. “We all have mental health in the same way that we all have physical health.” [7] Community‑based programs help by facilitating “social connections and emotional expression,” [8] normalizing conversations about mental health [9] in a structured, supportive environment where vulnerability is encouraged. 

At Three Point Club, shared activity creates consistent opportunities for connection and mutual support. Participating together, sharing the ball, cultivates a sense of belonging that reinforces cooperation, trust, and collective well‑being.

Adam Grant notes that emotions are social and “woven through our interactions,” [10] while David Richter adds that “the best activities are ones that challenge your mind and foster meaningful discussions with others.” [11] Emile Durkheim described this shared experience as “collective effervescence.” [10]

“Action absorbs anxiety.” — Dan Harris. [12]

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024.

[2] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Facts & Statistics. ADAA, 2024.

[3] World Health Organization. Depression: Fact Sheet. WHO, 2023.

[4] Medical News Today. “Men’s Mental Health: ‘Man Up’ Is Not the Answer.” Medical News Today, 2025.

[5] Liu, H. (2023, January). What is Psychiatry? American Psychiatric Association.

[6] National Council for Mental Wellbeing (2018, October). Study Reveals Lack of Access as Root Cause for Mental Health Crisis in America. National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

[7] Hinman, Kristen. “Stigma Keeps Men from Seeking Mental Health Care. These Groups Are Changing That.” Fortune, 2024.

[8] Vickery, Alex. “‘I Feel Comfortable Enough and Trust the People Around Me to Be Able to Open Up’: Exploring How Mental Health Community Support Groups Help Older Men Navigate Mental Health and Masculinities in Later Life.” Journal of Long-Term Care, 17 July 2025, pp. 256–268.

[9] Rosenthal, Samantha. “Men, Masculinity and Mental Health.” School of Public Health | Brown University, 24 July 2025.

[10] Hollander, David. How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Principles for Reimagining What’s Possible. Harmony Books, 2023.

[11] Steinhauer, Jennifer. “What Happens to Your Brain When You Retire?” The New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025.

[12] Steinhauer, Jennifer. “3 Ways to Find Peace in an Anxious World.” The New York Times, 14 May 2025.