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Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps, the topic of mental health issues has come to the fore in recent months.
These three are part of a contingent of young people who want to bring the subject to light and change the way these issues are handled.
Of course, athletes aren’t the only people struggling with mental health issues. Real people of all genders and ages have difficulty coping sometimes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made matters worse for many.
That’s why we’re grateful for an event like this Saturday’s Virtual Walk in Support of Mental Health Awareness hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI.
NAMI’s Algiers / Marquette County Chapter is one of over 600 affiliates participating in the virtual, nicknamed NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope.
NAMI Alger / Marquette participates in the regional part of the walk entitled NAMIWalks Your Way Northern Michigan. NAMI’s national organization, NAMI Michigan, hopes to raise $ 20,000 as part of the Northern Michigan initiative. As of Tuesday morning, $ 995 was raised, according to the NAMIWalks website. Nationally, locals raised $ 11.8 million.
We hope people get involved by donating to the cause this weekend or joining the local NAMI chapter. There are several ways to get involved:
≤ Walk 5 km around the block, in a park or on your treadmill;
Plan a day of crafts with your children;
≤ Host a bake sale and let your friends decide what you prepare for a donation;
Take care of yourself with a favorite hobby such as yoga, gardening or knitting;
Dust off the stationary or elliptical bike and travel 3.1 miles;
Posting of a sign of hope on social media (signs can be downloaded at bit.ly/3AcTpYa).
We believe that seeking help during a personal mental health crisis is a courageous thing to do, but it is a decision that can be a lifesaver. Thank you to everyone involved in NAMI for what they are doing.
As NAMI said in a press release: “Last year we saw the light at the end of the tunnel – which came closer in the first half of 2021 – and we kept walking towards it, often virtually. Let’s build on our momentum this fall as we unite across the country to celebrate mental health for all.
To learn more about the national organization of NAMI and NAMI Alger / Marquette, visit www.nami.org or www.namimqt.com.
If you’re struggling with mental health and looking for help, the NAMI HelpLine is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. by calling 800-950-6264 or sending an email to [email protected].
If you are having thoughts of suicide and looking for help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
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