2008 Woodie Awards
Stomp out stigma
By: Brian McLean
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Students can use their feet to walk out preconceived thoughts on mental illness at a 5K run Sunday.
The event, "Stomp Out Stigma," is designed to raise awareness about mental illnesses, said Emily Parsons, a Brighton senior and Active Minds CMU chapter president, which is hosting the event.
"It'll be a fun event, but it'll also be an informative event," she said.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. at Warriner Mall, and the walk begins at 2 p.m. Recipients will receive T-shirts, and information will be distributed along the path.
After the walk at 3:30 p.m., former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple will speak about depression and suicide prevention. Hipple's son committed suicide. Hipple's experiences emphasize the need to talk about depression and mental illnesses, Parsons said.
"We just really want to hear his story," she said.
Parsons said the event aims to reduce negative opinion surrounding mental illnesses, increasing participants' understanding about these problems.
The walk also will provide students a chance to get outdoors and get some exercise - physical health plays a role in mental health, Parsons said.
Gary Silker, Counseling Center faculty member and Active Minds faculty adviser, said the event will show students that mental illnesses are not life-altering, permanent conditions and will help "overcome fear and ignorance."
Many people have overcome their illnesses, and their paths exemplify the possibility of recovery, he said.
Aside from having a nice way to spend their afternoon outdoors, students also may learn, Silker said.
"We hope that they can connect with some of the information," he said.
Being informed can help students identify when they are having problems, as well as help friends or loved ones who seem ill, he said.
And on a college campus, where many are defining and redefining who they are, understanding mental concerns is crucial, he said.
"College campuses are stressful paths, lots of pressures," Silker said.
Grand Rapids junior Brittany VanSpronson, an Active Minds member who is involved with coordinating a number of aspects of the event, said many college students are independent for the first time, and need to know about mental disorders.
"It's kind of important to spread awareness about it, that they know they're not alone," she said.
news@cm-life.com
The event, "Stomp Out Stigma," is designed to raise awareness about mental illnesses, said Emily Parsons, a Brighton senior and Active Minds CMU chapter president, which is hosting the event.
"It'll be a fun event, but it'll also be an informative event," she said.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. at Warriner Mall, and the walk begins at 2 p.m. Recipients will receive T-shirts, and information will be distributed along the path.
After the walk at 3:30 p.m., former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple will speak about depression and suicide prevention. Hipple's son committed suicide. Hipple's experiences emphasize the need to talk about depression and mental illnesses, Parsons said.
"We just really want to hear his story," she said.
Parsons said the event aims to reduce negative opinion surrounding mental illnesses, increasing participants' understanding about these problems.
The walk also will provide students a chance to get outdoors and get some exercise - physical health plays a role in mental health, Parsons said.
Gary Silker, Counseling Center faculty member and Active Minds faculty adviser, said the event will show students that mental illnesses are not life-altering, permanent conditions and will help "overcome fear and ignorance."
Many people have overcome their illnesses, and their paths exemplify the possibility of recovery, he said.
Aside from having a nice way to spend their afternoon outdoors, students also may learn, Silker said.
"We hope that they can connect with some of the information," he said.
Being informed can help students identify when they are having problems, as well as help friends or loved ones who seem ill, he said.
And on a college campus, where many are defining and redefining who they are, understanding mental concerns is crucial, he said.
"College campuses are stressful paths, lots of pressures," Silker said.
Grand Rapids junior Brittany VanSpronson, an Active Minds member who is involved with coordinating a number of aspects of the event, said many college students are independent for the first time, and need to know about mental disorders.
"It's kind of important to spread awareness about it, that they know they're not alone," she said.
news@cm-life.com
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