What a beautiful day to start the Week of Respect and join our amazing staff, students, and community members in walking a Mile for Mental Health! Congratulations and thank you to PV Vice-Principal Emily Ringen, Pequannock Rotary, and everyone involved for making this a positive and uplifting event.
As someone who has seen close loved ones struggle with addiction and mental illness, I know how important it is to address the stigma associated with these diseases and especially with asking for help and receiving treatment. Too many people I know have internalized false expectations like, "If I was stronger I would beat this on my own," "Only weak people ask for help," and "I can stop anytime if I want to." Everyone needs help and support at some point in their life and no one should be ashamed or afraid to admit that. But we all need to be supportive and understanding of those who are struggling in order to create that kind of environment. It's ok to not be ok sometimes, and we all need to be ok with that!
The sun-filled walk started off with remarks from Ms. Ringen, Mr. Hayzler (PTHS Principal) and Rotary District 7475 District Governor-Elect John Shockley. All three spoke to the importance of the stigma-free initiative in the schools and the positive impact the presence of mental health support services can have on a community. Mr. Hayzler encouraged those present to "Be someone's champion" and to always give YOUR all, even if your all is only 60% that day. After these motivating speakers, the music turned on and we took to the track! I loved having the opportunity to chat with neighbors, staff and students as we committed to our mile for mental health and completed those laps.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to take part in this event for all of those who put in the effort to make it happen. Ms. Ringen wants this to become an annual event so that we keep people remembering how important eliminating mental health stigma is, and I'm looking forward to participating in many more!
