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Goal: $200.00

$355.00 donated

I am participating in HIKE for Mental Health to bring awareness around it and the stigma associated with mental health.

I have experienced challenges with my own mental health in the past couple years and was hesitant to reach out for help because I thought, ‘that doesn’t happen to me. Sure I know people with mental illnesses, but I’m just not one of them.’ I am so grateful to have had a roommate notice and care enough to tell me the tough truth that I didn’t want to hear. She encouraged me just to make a phone call at first, which quickly turned into a 12 week intensive outpatient program. Every day still presents its own challenges, but I am here today, able to take care of myself and be an active part of the lives of my friends and family. I wasn’t able to say that two years ago, and there may be a day that I won’t be able to again, but I hope that I still have support and encouragement from those around me to prioritize my mental health. This is my story, but I know it’s not everyone’s.

I am hiking Mount Washington in memory of my friend’s Adam and Greg, who had their own stories of their battles with mental health but are not here to share them. Adam and Greg had a difficult time navigating a world that did not accept or understand the role that mental health had in their lives. Both of them, like myself, had found their happy place out in nature, and I have no doubt that they will be with me every step up the mountain.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for contributing if you are able to do so.

Here is a link with more information about how participating and donating to HIKE for Mental Health makes steps towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/about-us/