On October 10, 2015, I participated in a Walkathon to raise money for Bridgeway, an amazing organization that helps those with mental illness recover.
I was in awe at the walkathon, because I saw people of all ages, all parts of the journey to recovery. Mental illness is seen across our country and throughout the world.
Most of you know by now that I struggle with schizoaffective disorder and PTSD. I'm open about my mental illnesses because I want to raise awareness to the tremendous difficulties that people with mental illnesses live with. I was VP for the Syracuse University NAMI chapter when I was in college. I spoke in a few classes about my life journey living with the illnesses. Mental illness did not stop me from receiving my Masters in Biomedical Engineerin despite having serious symptoms during my graduate school career.
It takes a ton of courage to live with a chronic illness, let alone one that most people push to the side due to stigmatization.
I want to say that during the whole walk, I was not ashamed of my illnesses. I am not ashamed of it to begin with, as it is something that God has brought into my life. Not really something I'd ask for but going through the healing process is absolutely beautiful. Some days are more arduous than others, but most days are wonderful. Even though I live with symptoms every single day, I wake up because this journey called life is interesting and worth fighting through.
I am proud to live with mental illness because it has made me stronger than I would have been without it. It has made my life worth living since it gives me something to work on and become healthy. I am one who enjoys challenges, as most of you know I am training for my first Half Marathon.
The energy at the walkathon was amazing. People helping people. People cheering for each other. People financially supporting the program.
That kind of support, love and encouragement is why I love the program.
As I write this, I am teary-eyed thinking about the walkathon.
Beautiful. Healing. Powerful. Inspirational. Magical. Thank you Bridgeway.
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