Amy
Amy Five years ago, during a “lull” in our long battle with my loved one’s mental illness, I discovered the Walk for Hope – an event I was vaguely aware of but had not considered participating in. This seemed to be a chance to step out of my silence and do something publicly, even if small, for the first time. I reached out to my community of friends and family and asked if anyone wanted to join me – and by walk day I had 20+ people walking alongside of me with our glitter-covered headbands. I really thought we were walking for my loved one, and while we were, I quickly realized we were also walking for them, their children, their parent, cousin, sibling, spouse or friend. My community all were touched by mental illness. [...]