Thank you so much for your contribution to this worthwhile cause. It is truly appreciated!
The effect of not properly treating mental health has played a significant role in my life. First of all, my younger brother committed suicide when he was just 21 years old. We grew up in the midwest, a place where mental health issues are definitely not discussed openly. The basic viewpoint is this: if you need to talk to a therapist, you might as well be locked up in a padded cell. At least that is what it always felt like to me. In my brother's case, he never talked to anyone about the problems he faced. His closest friends did not know that he was suffering. This is a true shame. Shame on our society for not being open and willing to help those who struggle and suffer from mental health problems in the way that we treat those with physical ailments.
I, myself, have faced my own struggles and personal challenges throughout time. Many of which I will spend my life working on. When I first allowed myself to see a therapist, it was very difficult for me to book an appointment because of the stigma that I felt. Even though the waiting area for the practice that my therapist belonged to was always overflowing, I still couldn't get past that. It took years of therapy to finally see through all of my learned reflexes. I was always telling myself that I simply needed more emotional strength and that it was my responsibility to develop that on my own. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many of us need great coaches (ie: therapists) to learn those skills that will help us develop that inner strength. Further, there are some wonderful medications out there that do wonders to help when the going gets rough. Further to this, self-medicating (which I've done my share of) isn't a wise idea. Learning not to self-medicate can be an all-consuming struggle unto itself.
Let's work together to end the stigmatization of mental health. Everyone deserves treatment of mental health problems in the same way that we treat any other physical issue. Going to a doctor for help when feeling unusually sad, or when facing times of great personal difficulty should be no different from going to a doctor when we have a serious cough, or when we need to have a cavity taken care of by our dentist.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate your kind contribution. This is a wonderful ride, a great cause, and something that wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of Malcolm (Mac) Dorris. He is truly an incredible individual.
Ride on!
Eric
The Ride for Mental Health 2018
The Ride for Mental Health is one of the first rides in the country to benefit mental health. The proceeds raised will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, for the education, research and treatment of mental illness including anxiety, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to raise funds for McLean so that we can help accelerate the progress being made to help others who suffer from mental illness.
We also hope to end the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and awareness. The promotion of this ride is a start. Many if not most of us are touched by close friends and relatives who have suffered with one type or another of mental illness.
Eric's Ride Inc. is a New York not for profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. 100% of rider pledges will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate.