Moving for mental health
Approximately 200 Hatters gathered Sunday afternoon at Kin Coulee Park for the fourth annual Move for Mental Health event.
The afternoon event featured many events for people of all ages, a reptile display and two kilometer and four kilometre courses for walking, running or jogging through.
Event organizer Patti Wagman said the event is a great way to kick off Mental Health Week.
“Getting people out of the house, having fun, exercising and just talking about mental health is very important,” she said. “We’re hoping the weather holds off and the nice afternoon can continue for the walkers — we hope everyone has a really fun time.”
Wagman said she believes one of the biggest problems around mental health issues is the stigma surrounding it.
“As soon as we don’t talk about something, it promotes shame,” she said. “We all have mental health just like we have physical health and there is nothing to be ashamed of when you are having struggles with mental health. I think a lot of the time people are afraid to look for help and we’re trying to end that.”
With roughly 200 people attending the event, Wagman says the event has grown in each of its years. She says she and the rest of the organizers wanted to make a change within the community.
“I think what appealed to us that is was doing something big outside of schools,” she said. “Mental health issues are important to deal with for everyone, and doing something big as a communitywide initiative is a great way to spread the message.”