Rain and temperatures blanketed Panorama Park on Saturday as community members gathered for the Colorado Springs National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk to raise awareness.
“Of course Mental Health Day has to be depressing, but I guess it shows that we have to get through it,” attendee Vanessa Hicks told the Gazette.
According to NAMI, Hicks is one of the approximately 43.8 million people in the United States who suffer from a mental health problem each year. On Saturday, she walked out to call attention to her story, struggling with her mental health, but she wanted to share her feelings with those around her that “you are not alone.” She wanted to tell him.
“This past year has probably been one of the worst years of my life,” Hicks said.
“My job is as a destination wedding photographer. My job has gone south, and it’s all because I asked for help.”
After receiving the traumatic phone call, Hicks told the Gazette that her mental health deteriorated. After visiting her numerous doctors and trying dozens of medications, she attempted to take her own life last December.
“I did everything the doctors asked me to do because I wanted to get better,” Hicks said.
“I ended up being hospitalized three times in one year and trying to end my life.”
Hicks said that after months of suffering, one doctor who finally listened to her was able to get her the help she needed. She was admitted to a treatment facility and received additional mental health treatment in Denver.
On Saturday, weeks after her treatment, she sought to inspire hope with hundreds of walkers.
“I lived and fought to live, so what can I do?” Hicks said.
“I want to give people hope. I want to continue to educate people. If I can use my story to help someone, that’s great, but also to remind people that they’re not alone.” Is required.”
Despite the weather, 47 teams came together and raised $159,983 to support the efforts of Colorado Springs Community Mental Health and NAMI during Mental Health Awareness Month.
“We are here today to talk about mental health and mental health,” said NAMI Board Secretary Damien McCabe.
“We want people to think about their mental health the same way they think about their physical health. If you’re inspired to walk for your physical health, then your mental health Also consider walking for your mental health, working out for your mental health, and socializing to make new connections for your mental health. I feel better when I’m connected,” McCabe said.
The fundraiser paid tribute to one NAMI volunteer who lost his battle with mental illness and took his life several months before the NAMI Walk.
Described as a continuing bright light by her fellow volunteers and the NAMI community, Alyssa Richardson received the award for her project titled “Alyssa’s Garden.”
Participants hunkered down under blue tents as water flowed over their permits, painting ceramic pots and planting seeds in her memory.
“Alyssa was such a bright part of the group,” said NAMI board member Ray Cameron.
“No matter where she was, she would come and be a bright spot in our nights. Even on the worst days, she seemed to be smiling, and it wasn’t hidden, it was deep inside her.” It was just part of her personality as someone who lived with joy,” Cameron said.
Richardson’s mother, sister and family attended the event.
Nancy Williams, who volunteered with Richardson at the organization’s front desk, said her fellow volunteer was a respected member of the community.
“She was sincere and friendly. She was a volunteer in the office and my trainer for a long time,” Williams said.
“At the front desk of a place like NAMI, you never know what people are going through, and you have to be a good listener to get people the right resources. He was good.”
Williams discovered NAMI as a community to find support for her son as he battles mental illness. She said the resources the organization provides are life-changing and allow her to meet other people who are struggling just like she is.
“All of a sudden, it’s not a foreign country anymore. I don’t feel crazy, which is great,” Williams said.
Nancy Butcher, who also volunteered at Alyssa’s Garden, expressed her sense of solidarity by finding support for her son through Nami.
“There’s a lot less stigma than even 20 years ago. So many people are talking about mental health,” Butcher said.
“We’re all in this together. You’re not alone.”
