Dear Friends and Family,
On April 7th I’m running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler race in Washington, DC and raising money for Active Minds, an organization that supports mental health awareness and education for students across the country.
I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety since I was 18. Through many ups and downs I’ve come to learn that they are just facets of my life and while, at times they can feel all-consuming, they do not define me. People who are in the midst of depression and anxiety find it hard to articulate their experience and ask for help. You feel trapped, ashamed, weak. You can be robbed of your energy, focus, memory, social life, love, work, and play. It can feel like there is no way out and no hope for the future. The stigma surrounding mental health only makes this worse, and keeps many people from opening up and asking for help. Removing the stigma is essential to improving the lives of the millions of people who struggle with mental health, and to creating a healthier, more open society.
I’m running this race for myself and for everyone who has struggled and is struggling with mental health. Mental health is as important as physical health but because it’s invisible and lacks the physical markers of other ailments or diseases, those affected often suffer in silence. The good news is there are myriad resources available to help and mental health conditions are treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help!
I chose today to launch my fundraising campaign because it’s a day when we reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., someone I look up to and a leader who inspired courage in the face of adversity. Dr. King famously said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." My goal is to raise $500. Please join me in supporting the great work that Active Minds does. Your donation, big or small, will go towards changing the conversation about mental health! Your donation will go towards helping others seek help, and “see the whole staircase.”
With love and gratitude,
Jason
#menformentalhealth #CUCB2019 #ReasonsISpeak #mentalhealth #activeminds #yourstorymatters #trustyourstruggle #movementismedicine
About Active Minds:
Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students
Active Minds is dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on students and young adults ages 14–25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.
