Bertie natives unite to host Mental Health Awareness Walk
Published 10:25 am Monday, September 26, 2016
- Those participating in the Sept. 10th “Let’s Talk About It” Mental Health Awareness Walk line-up prior to starting the one-mile event that started and ended at Livermon Park & Zoo in Windsor. | Contributed Photos
WINDSOR – Two Bertie County natives, Rwenshaun Miller and Casey Owens, came together to bring awareness to a topic that is often taboo with the “Let’s Talk About It” Mental Health Awareness Walk.
The walk was held by Eustress, Inc., a non-profit that strives to raise awareness around mental health, and the Bertie County YMCA on Sept. 10.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness.
Miller, the founder of the organization, knows first-hand the importance of educating individuals about mental health and mental illness. In 2014, Miller started his blog, www.rwenshaun.com, where he shares his own struggle living with bipolar disorder.
“As someone who battles with being bipolar on a daily basis, the connection in understanding individuals who suffer from various forms of mental illness is important,” says Miller, a 2005 graduate of Bertie High School. “My hope is that the community will understand that it is okay to not be okay and show support for those in the community suffering from mental illness and encourage everyone to not be afraid to talk about these types of issues.”
Casey Owens, one of the event organizers, stands adjacent to a State Historical Marker that pays honor to a Bertie County native and former North Carolina legislator that took up the cause for mental health statewide.
In its first year, the “Let’s Talk About It” Mental Health Awareness Walk took place at the Livermon Park and Zoo in Windsor. The morning started with a Hip Hop dance session conducted by Greg Morris followed by both Miller and Owens explaining the importance of addressing mental health in our daily lives.
The event concluded with a one-mile walk, which began and ended at the Park.
Mental health fact signs were set up to educate the participants as they completed the walk.
“I feel this was needed in this area, especially with Mr. Miller being from Bertie and all he is doing have such purpose. I was extremely happy to see the support this event got and looking forward to an even bigger turn out next year,” stated Owens.
Visit www.eustressinc.org to find out more information on the Let’s Talk About It Walk and Eustress, Inc.
Eustress (pronounced yoo-stress), is stress that is deemed healthful or giving one the feeling of fulfillment. Eustress Inc. strives to raise awareness around a taboo topic that many suffer alone with on a day-to-day basis. We all have good days and bad days, but some may need help to make sure that their good ones outweigh the bad. This starts with educating individuals about mental health and mental illness. Eustress Inc. encourages individuals to put aside fears, egos and pride to seek help when it is needed and break the stigma associated with mental illness and mental health.