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Welcome to my personal NAMIWalks page. I have created this fundraising page because NAMI, and the work they do, is very important to me. Donating to me through this page is easy, fast and secure. Your donation will make a difference!
You may know that I am a local Folk singer/songwriter as well as a treated bipolar advocate. I use my music to help me spread the word about mental health awareness. I survived an intense battle with suicidal depression through the help of ECT or "Shock Treatments" aprox. 10 years ago. Sadly, my aunt and cousin, however, both died from suicide when their depression overcame them. They both passed away within the past 7 years, one year apart. It broke me heart and still does. I sing for them and have their pictures at my piano. It was after their deaths that I decided I needed and was inspired to speak openly about my own experience. I realized I was one of the lucky ones who made it, and it was due to their lack of treatment that they didn't. Stigmas and ignorance are our greatest enemies to health. I am passionate about doing all I can to prevent suicide and the stigmas that prevent people from getting help.
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/tag/heather-mccready/
In the news lately, we have seen far too many cases of people dying due to the ravages of mental illness. It concerns me for people to not get the help that could be prevented by treatment These are not bad people, these are sick people. But there are millions upon millions of people who are not violent and not anything like the sensational "media attention grabbing" victims of illness we see on the TV. This gives mental illness some attention, but unfortunately, I am afraid, not the kind we want! Good people everywhere, in fact 1 out of every 4, are suffering from some form of mental illness! Think how many people around you are suffering in silence. And did you know that in 2010 there were more suicides than homicides in Tarrant County? (I haven't checked since then but I imagine it hasn't changed). You would think that we would begin to realize that the real monster is the illness and not the person. Let's get to work solving the the root of so many problems. The first step is getting treatment for ourselves! I need my meds throughout the day and I am never ashamed to share what I take to help me survive. Because having Anxiety, Depression or other mental health concern is not a weakness or a figment of one's imagination. Mental illness is also not a "sin" ( have you heard that one yet? ugh. I have!) or anything to feel even remotely ashamed of! Would you be ashamed to have breast cancer? Of course not! There is no difference. Treatment CAN work, DOES work and IS attainable. I am not saying it is easy, in fact I know that it is anything but easy! But life is worth fighting for if not for your own self then for the sake of those who love you.
I am supporting NAMi because I am proud of the way they are making a difference in our community and around the country. I hope you will join us in our effort! Thank you for your contribution and interest!! And, will I see you at the walk May 4th at Fair Park in Dallas? I will be giving the best way I know how, through music! Let me know if you are coming and be sure to come say hello to me! It will be good to see you there.
Much Love.
Warmly~
Heather
P.S. Please visit my website to read more about my story and hear my music. http:www.heathermccready.com
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/tag/heather-mccready/
A little video to cheer you up and on..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-LJQNNYeRU
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