Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: News

Runners and walkers prepare to take part in the Stomp Out Stigma 5K run on Sunday afternoon at Warriner Mall. More than 100 people participated in the fundraiser. [Click to enlarge]

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple went through his own his own battle with depression in college.

But he missed the signs when his 15-year-old son sunk into depression and eventually committed suicide in 2000.

"It's the stigma that keeps people from seeking help," Hipple told more that 100 people on Sunday.

CMU's chapter of Active Minds, a student organization for mental health awareness and advocacy, took the first step in bringing down that barrier with its Stomp Out Stigma fundraiser at Warriner Mall.

The event consisted of a 5K run/ 2-mile walk, various stands displaying pottery, paintings and mental illness literature.

"Active Minds is just trying to spread knowledge about mental illness and decrease the negative views," said Emily Parsons, a Brighton senior and the event's organizer. "(Mental illness) doesn't have a face, it can affect everyone. It's a lot more troubling than people think."

Parsons has a long trail of activism against mental illness' stigma that started with her own personal struggle.

"Three years ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder," said Parsons, who also is the president and founder of Active Minds.

Determined to raise awareness about the issue of mental illness, Parsons created a registered student organization, one of only four chapters of Active Minds in the state of Michigan.

Because of her avid activism, Parsons received the 2008 University of Michigan Student Mental Health Advocate Award.

"It just felt really nice to be recognized by people who I admire," Parsons said.

Although founded by Parsons just last semester, CMU's chapter of Active Minds drew a sizable turnout for their Stomp Out Stigma event.

"We had over 100 participants," said Jerome senior and Active Minds E-board member Jamie Cook. "We plan to do it every year."

With a time of 17:31, the first runner crossed the finish line.

Men's first place went to Tyler Noble, a high school junior from Sheperd, and women's first place was Redford junior Laura Matchulat with a time of 19:52.

The main lesson of the event was the seriousness of mental illness, and the need for its acceptance and understanding.

"It is a really important thing to raise awareness," said Gary Silker, adviser for Active Minds and an assistant professor with the Counseling Center. "Half of students with emotional concerns don't seek help."


news@cm-life.com

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