Students lined the steps of the Pit Tuesday night as they recited in unison a promise to support those with mental illness.
The voices of Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, and Student Body President Mary Cooper could also be heard as they shared their personal experiences involving mental health.
In celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the new UNC-CH chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness held a candlelight vigil in honor of those impacted by mental illness.
Kinnaird spoke about her past struggle with postpartum depression and the need for more support.
“We’re trying (to help) in the legislature but it’s been going downhill in the last 10 years due to budget cuts,” she said.
“I’m trying to make sure someone is still speaking about this.”
Peter Alfredson, president of NAMI at UNC-CH, said the event was held to raise awareness and get rid of the stigmas surrounding mental illnesses.
Insko lauded UNC Hospitals’ new postpartum depression clinic and the state’s support of mental health programs.
“I’m proud of paying taxes to help these people achieve the lives they want to live,” Insko said.
NAMI at UNC-CH was created in 2011. The group aims to stimulate discussion and remove the stigma surrounding mental illness on campus.
Alfredson decided to help create the chapter after suffering from depression and an anxiety disorder his freshman year.
“We’re not a support group, but it’s nice to know there’s a group of people who’ve gone through the same things I’ve gone through,” he said.
Charles Czysz, a sophomore biology major and Alfredson’s roommate, said he supports the efforts being made.
“I want to support his effort because I didn’t know how prevalent it was while I was just living my life.”
NAMI at UNC-CH also invites everyone to come to In Our Own Voice on Thursday at 8 p.m., where two speakers will share their firsthand experiences with mental illness.
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