WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – There were two main goals: connecting people with mental health resources and ending the stigma surrounding mental disorders.
The 19th Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk was held in Watertown on Wednesday.
People wore green and walked from the Dulles State Office Building to the Butler Pavilion at J.B. Wise Plaza in downtown Watertown.
The Northern Regional Center for Independent Living’s event brought together members of the community for food, education, and the opportunity to hear from speakers who opened up about their mental health and substance abuse experiences.
Several exhibits were also set up for folks to check out.
“It’s okay to have a diagnosis even if it’s not from a doctor and you believe you have a diagnosis. It’s not a problem to go somewhere and say, ‘I kind of need a little help.’ That’s what we’re here for. Everyone should help everyone. It’s all about the consumer. We don’t work for them, we work with them,” said Stamatina Stamatakis, behavioral health peer advocate, NRCIL.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
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