Changing Mental Health, One Step at a Time

Leave the Stigma Behind 5K Run/Walk

Especially amid a pandemic that has left many people isolated and anxious, it’s as important as ever to raise awareness of mental health resources in the community and work to end the stigma around mental illness.

That’s one of the goals of Christian Hospital, which launched the “Leave the Stigma Behind” 5k Run/Walk last year to promote visibility for its mental health services and raise money for the Christian Hospital Foundation Mental Health Fund.

Due to COVID-19, last year’s event was fully virtual, but this year Christian Hospital is excited to host a hybrid version so that those comfortable with participating in-person have the opportunity.

“The hope for this event is that people will become more aware that we’re here,” says Rita Johnson, BA, MA, physician referral coordinator at Christian Hospital’s Recovery Center. “The money raised at this event is very important because it funds the grant that allows people who  are uninsured or underinsured to come  to our program.”

The program is an intensive outpatient program that offers services for mental health and substance abuse. Programs run from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. every weekday. Participants are under the care of a psychiatrist and all classes are facilitated by licensed counselors or social workers.

“It helps people see that others are going through the same things,” says Johnson. “It’s a support group mixed with therapy.”

Participants in the program are often facing struggles with finances, stress from their job, stress from the death of a loved one or going through something else traumatic. They often know something is wrong, but don’t necessarily know their diagnosis, be it anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc. Many times, they visit a primary care physician first for consultation, who then directs them to Christian Hospital’s mental health services.

With many participants facing financial stress, they need assistance to participate in Christian Hospital’s programs, which is where the grant comes into play. The grant is awarded to North County residents over the age of 18 who consent to participate in the program. Christian Hospital’s services work in conjunction with community resources to provide as well-rounded an experience as possible, addressing mental health concerns and even helping residents with employment, counseling and finding primary care physicians.

However, many people will never begin to seek out services such as Christian Hospital’s because of the stigma that exists around mental illness. This is why the stigma component of the 5k is so important. “The reason we need to end the stigma around mental illness is because a lot of people are afraid to get help,” says Johnson. “A lot comes with knowing you have a mental illness, and I want people to feel comfortable and understand it’s  just like heart disease or cancer. You seek help for that.”

Johnson and the rest of the Christian Hospital team are excited for this event and the difference it will make in the lives of grant recipients who benefit from the money raised, along with others in the community who need a light shined on what it really means to live with mental illness.

“This event gives people an opportunity to come out, support us and also cheer on those that are battling mental illness.” says Johnson.

Hybrid 5k Run/Walk Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021

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