NAMI Albany to march in Albany State's homecoming parade to raise mental health awareness, funds
Albany HeraldSep 26, 2022
Sep. 26—ALBANY — It turns out that a pandemic isn't just hard on those who fall ill or die and their loved ones. It's also hard for those dealing with the uncertainty of the lockdowns and the disruptions of normal routines.
During the first year of the pandemic, Americans feeling symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress-related conditions rose nearly four-fold.
"Forty percent of people with existing mental health diagnoses, as well as those who have never had mental health issues" had issues,
A study by the
In addition, 13.3% reported starting or increasing substance use to cope with stress or emotions and 10.7% had seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey.
"Unfortunately, some people have lost hope and suicides are up," said Richardson, who also is a member of NAMI (
Part of NAMI's efforts are to raise awareness and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. NAMI Albany also will hold its annual walk, and for the second year will hold it in conjunction with the
"Part of the reason for the NAMI walk is to raise funds for the program," Richardson said. "All the money goes first to NAMI Georgia. NAMI Georgia delivers a lot of programs. Then they sent half of the money back to
"With us doing this with the Albany State parade, that really brings the community into it. They have a lot of (mental health) programs at Albany State."
The state of
"I worry about the children," she said. "It's not just COVID, but our natural disasters. A lot of our kids have grown up in trauma. I do think our school system and Superintendent (Kenneth)
___
(c)2022 The Albany Herald, Ga.
Visit The Albany Herald, Ga. at www.albanyherald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.