On a Mission 24 Hour Run

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.

In addition to medication treatment, psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, peer support groups, and other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and that assist with recovery. The availability of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends, and meaningful paid or volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.

On December 18, 2002 my dad, Oscar Baeza committed suicide.  This shock reverberated through my family and our friends.  We couldn't believe that we had just gotten blindsided by such an ordeal.  The truth of the matter was that he was sick.  He was treated with medications but discontinued use and went into a downward spiral.  Anxiety and depression played a major role in his death and now my family and I would like to raise awareness and help others before they go through the same thing we did.

The important thing to know is that there are resources out there.  There is a stigma out there about people with mental illness.  While we may be ashamed to seek the help we need because of embarrassment and what society will think, it is necessary to get the treatments that can save lives.  There are other people out there who have been down the same road-- many more than anyone realizes.

What I'll never understand is why mental health and suicide carry such a stigma.  Many people out there are afraid they'll be called "crazy" for getting help or medication.  How is this any different than taking chronic insulin for diabetes management? Or cholesterol lowering medication?

 We need your help!  Please join us in our fight against mental illness and to raise awareness and promote advocacy for suicide prevention.  Yes, even you can make a huge difference.