Nearly 1.5 million North Carolinian adults live with some form of mental health condition.
“I ran today for both my kids who have struggled with mental health, bipolar depression and mental depression. It’s been a struggle they’ve both overcome some strong battles. So, I ran today in honor of them,” Danielle Bradford said.
Just one reason many crossed the finish line during this year’s Mental Health Matters 5K and Festival.
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“Mental health has no face; it matters at every age and every stage of life from young kids to older adults,” event organizer Erica Misner said.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, nearly 1.5 million North Carolinian adults live with some form of mental health condition. In just three years. this community race has worked to bring people together while creating awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
“It’s a joy seeing people out here supporting, even if they’re out here supporting themselves or supporting their family but then being able to speak out and show out for it,” Bradford said.
Organizers call it more than just a race — describing it as a movement focused on hope, solidarity, and support.
“There’s a lot of community here and I think that’s making people feel like there’s hope, solidarity and that you’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help and I think seeing all these people here just reaffirms that,” Misner said.
For those interested in mental health resources, visit the Mental Health Matters website.