Hi!
This is my first year joining the Ride For Mental Health 2022 in New Paltz NY. I will be riding both Saturday and Sunday 6/25-6/26, and 100% of rider pledges will go to McLean Hospital for the education, research and treatment of mental health.
This ride is particularly important to me because at the time I will be riding this year, two years back in 2020 I was inpatient at McLean for about 5 weeks in AB2, a unit for intensive treatment of severely ill inpatients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders. Without the support and help of all of you, the nurses, doctors and McLean, I really never would have been able to get back to baseline and to where I am today.
There have been many unpredictable highs and lows, but now when asked whether I’d change things if I could, I reply “For me? No, I really wouldn’t”. I am still me, what you see and what you don’t, and I have learned so much. It takes patience, trust and time to find the right medication, to confront the stigma of "crazy", to accept your illness, to get better and build yourself back. I am still working on it. Thank you to all who have been on this journey with me, who continue to be there; it isn't easy or simple for anyone and something I think about a lot. I am so grateful, I really can’t express it enough in such a short note.
It's a privledge to have a strong support system and one that needs to be accessible to everyone. McLean saved me. The more stories I hear, the more I realize how important it is to share mine, to raise awareness of how we are all touched by mental illness and that whatever it is, it's okay. It is okay with coworkers and strangers, with friends and family, and with yourself. I think what makes the biggest impact and change is hearing about experiences from people we know and care about and love. I am proud to be an advocate for the benefits of inpatient, for my friends in AB2 and for everyone struggling with mental health.
I would love for you to join me in this ride if you are interested (there is a virtual option too!), and donations of any size would be so appreciated!
Much love to you all,
Xx
Anna
Link to my donor page (please share with others if you want!!!): https://www.pledgereg.com/326709