The School of Social Work at Union University is raising awareness about the hardships of mental illnesses by hosting their second annual “Stomp Out Stigma” 5K glow run/one-mile walk, which starts at Union’s bell tower Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m., with all proceeds going to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-TN).
One in four college students have a diagnosable mental illness, and the School of Social Work is wanting the glow run to act as a support group for the many who struggle. The “Stomp Out Stigma” run was created to represent a community working together to eliminate the stereotypes about mental illnesses and to provide an outlet by sharing accurate facts and resources to those who feel alone in their battle.
“Those who participate [in the glow run/one-mile walk] are not only supporting an incredible organization, but they’re also supporting the truth that has the power to impact many lives,” said Bethany Pawley, a sophomore social work major.
All too often, those who live with a mental illness keep a silent covenant about their battle, afraid others would place this sense of shame on their lives because of the lies and misconceptions that surround mental illnesses, but the School of Social Work is using the 5K glow run/one-mile walk to act as a light and voice in the darkness.
“If we can all come together to bring a light into the darkness and show our support to those who feel alone in their battle with mental illnesses, then that light will grow more and more until the darkness caused by stereotypes and lies can eventually disappear,” said Pawley.
Terry Blakley, a professor in the School of Social Work, said mental illnesses are so common, yet living with one can be so much harder because of the shame that is all too often created by stereotypes. She said we, as a community, need to come together and stand up in support of those who struggle alone with mental illnesses.
“Mental illness does not define who we are,” said Blakley. “It is only one part of the human experience, and there is no shame in it.”
Everyone is encouraged to show their support on Thursday by registering for the 5K glow run or the one-mile walk at www.uu.edu/events/socialwork. The registration fee for students is $10, and registration for all community participants is $20.
