Isolation is an obstacle faced by many people struggling with poor mental health. It’s been shown that chronic loneliness can lead to depression and can trigger serious issues like hopelessness and social anxiety.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, more than 30% of adults in the state experienced anxiety or depressive disorder in 2023. The state also ranks the seventh-highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S.

NAMI Utah is dedicated to helping people affected by mental illness. The organization celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month with its annual NAMIWalk Utah on May 17 at the Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. The event encouraged people to come together and combat the isolation and disconnection so prevalent in mental illness.

“The NAMI Utah Walk is not only NAMI Utah’s most important fundraiser of the year,” said Robin Holcomb, NAMI Utah interim executive director, “it is a community builder, a time to come together to recognize mental illness affects all of us, and we aren’t alone in our mental health journey, whether we battle our own mental health condition or we support a family member who is struggling.” 

The NAMIWalk attracted more than 550 participants, celebrating mental health recovery or honoring the memory of loved ones lost to suicide. Community members enjoyed children's activities, dog costumes and trick contests, snacks, face painting and resources from healthcare providers. It’s meant to be a reminder that no one should ever feel alone. 

Cole Henline works as a claims coordinator with Midwest Flooring Coverings. When his company asked for volunteers to participate in the event, he encouraged his family to join him for the walk.

“We felt inspired to come and do this today. There’s me and my three siblings, and my parents,” Henline said. “We’ve had minor issues here and there with mental health, but nothing too serious. But we wanted to be here to support those that do and want to be able to help in any way we can.”

Participating sponsors for the event included Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Lakeview Hospital, Moving Forward Counseling, NeuroHealth, Odyssey House, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Rising Violet, Salt Lake Behavioral Health. Lone Peak Psychiatry, Neurocrine Biosciences, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Valley Behavioral Health, Acadia Law Group, Alkermes, Johnson and Johnson, Midwest Floor Coverings, USARA and Les Olsen IT.

There was no registration fee to participate, but fundraising was encouraged to support NAMI Utah’s mission. All proceeds raised during the NAMIWalk support NAMI Utah’s free mental health programs, resources and services. For more information, visit NAMIUtah.org. 

NAMI Utah addresses a critical need in the community, providing free educational programs, advocacy efforts and outreach to Utahns navigating mental health concerns, and support for their loved ones. Money raised from NAMIWalks Utah, its largest mental health awareness and fundraiser of the year, funds these crucial programs.

“So many people fight silent battles with mental health and mental illness,” said Miss Utah 2024 Paris Matthews. “I think breaking the stigma and talking about it publicly will help us begin to feel less alone.”λ