Hundreds participate in UNL campus walk to raise awareness for mental health

On Sunday, hundreds of UNL students walked with a purpose, to spread awareness for suicide prevention programs, both national and local.

In addition to raising awareness, event organizers wanted to get people talking about an issue that is often plagued by stigma, mental health.

“I’ve had personal experiences with depression and anxiety. For me, it is huge to talk about this and try to end the stigma and really to realize life is so special,” said Katherine Rzonca, a junior at UNL.

The walk, called Out of the Darkness for Suicide and Depression, is being held along side 150 others being coordinated across the country.

With so many people participating, walkers said it was clear, that they’re not alone when it comes to struggling with mental health issues.

“A lot of times, when you’re fighting that battle with mental health, you feel so alone. It makes me feel so loved and warm to know there’s so many people out here and i’m really not alone in this battle,” said Rzonca.

Currently, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24.

Event organizers say they have personal connections to friends and loved ones who are a part of that statistic.

“My cousin, he was 13 when he took his life, and that was back when I was in middle school. At the time, I was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and so, I guess it really hit home for me and I’ve been really passionate about it ever since,” said Emma Sidel, a Freshman at UNL.

Participants wore beaded necklaces to symbolize the type of loss or struggle they have gone through as a result of mental health issues.

“It’s just really good to have support because college can be kind of scary sometimes. So it’s good to have other people helping out,” said Sidel.

The event also aims to raise money for suicide prevention programs on UNL’s campus and nationally.

Last year’s walk raised over $17,000.

So far this year, just over $5,400 has been raised.

Donations will be accepted through the month of June.

It’s not too late to donate.

If you’re interested in getting involved in this cause head to:

https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=6095