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Why We Walk for Mental Health Awareness – Oct 10

Join Us They didn’t want to see us or value us because we are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, so we walked. Houston now has a Pride Parade attended by thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.

They didn’t want to see us or value us because we were HIV+, so we walked. And now Houston has an AIDS Walk that also is attended by thousands.

They don’t want to see us when we need mental health care, so again we will walk. We will walk this year and the next until the stigma is lifted, and we no longer feel a need to hide the inner workings of the mind.

The Houston Walk“The Montrose Center exists because we refuse to look at these populations as society’s castoffs or throwaways,” says Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD. Not being able to talk about mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can be life-threatening. For the many people who could benefit from psychotherapy or medication, nearly three out of four will not seek help because of the shame associated with mental illness.

That is why on Saturday, Oct. 10, once again we will have a group present to raise awareness at The 5th Annual Houston Walk for Mental Health. If you would like to join us to prepare for the walk, our Walk it Out Group meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at Memorial Park FitCenter on the Seymour Lieberman ExerTrail, next to the tennis courts.

According to walk organizer, C. Patrick McIlvain, “The Walk For Mental Health is a positive and inspiring special event. People from all walks of life and all ages gather in beautiful and historic Stude Park for a day of promoting Mental Health Awareness.” Not only that, but many will bring their dogs. This is one of the few awareness events that encourages participants to bring their furry companions. Many mental health experts believe a pet can be a positive influence.

Walk with the Mayor

Mayor Annise Parker will take the first steps of the 5K at 8 a.m. at Stude Park. On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m., and we welcome you to join our team to take a visible stand to reduce the stigma.

If you can’t make it Saturday, you may still donate online. Maybe you can make it downtown Houston Thursday night, Oct. 8, when City Hall will be bathed in lime green in support of Mental Health Awareness.

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