SANTA CLAUS, Ind. (WEHT) — At Jim Yerrig Park, several organizations from the Spencer County Health Coalition are gathering to provide mental health resources at the third annual Mental Health Awareness Walk.
Around 200 walkers also gathered to support the organization, sharing the message that people suffering from mental illness are not alone.
Christina Beeler of LifeSpring Health Systems, Spencer County's mental health agency, said she is seeing an increase in depression and anxiety issues in the community.
“We want people to realize that there's no shame in asking for help,” Beeler said. “Everyone may have a family member, or themselves, a colleague, a mental health issue, and that doesn't discriminate. So there's help out here and we just want to make it known. ”
This event kicks off May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizers want people to know that taking time for self-care is important. Some people walking today say they believe mental health is just as important as physical health. ”
“As a former DCFS caseworker, I have seen over and over again the devastating impact mental health crises have on families,” said walk participant Jordan Felch. “We really wanted to support that wholeheartedly and support all these organizations that are making a difference, making a difference, and serving people who need a little bit of psychological help. ”
Saturday's route took walkers around the park's two baseball fields, and several people, including Tim Rodger, walked the loop multiple times.
“I support this movement because not many people know about this unknown disease that we have, and because it touches me personally,” Roger said. says. “I walk because maybe someone else can help me understand this issue that most people don't.”
This route began and ended with mental health and addiction recovery resources. A club called “Voice Action Speaks” runs one of his tables and paints faces for children.
This is an organization that encourages people to live tobacco and drug free lives.
“I think this is important to me because I have personal experience with this,” says Maddie Knepper of Voice Action Speaks. “It was a really tough time for me, my friends and my family, but this club got me through it.”
These organizations encourage anyone experiencing a crisis, including suicidal thoughts, to call their crisis hotline, 988, toll-free.
Additional resources are available at in.gov.
Other works by Ben Walls
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