News
Walk for Hope puts mental health in focus
Walkers honor memory of those lost to suicide
By Dave Kavanaugh
Luna Community College
The devastation of COVID-19 hasn’t been limited to those who’ve contracted the coronavirus.
The global pandemic has also wrought havoc in terms of our mental health – making us collectively more stressed, anxious, depressed and traumatized, according to studies.
“(It) has likely brought many changes to how you live your life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation,” according to a Mayo Clinic staff report. “You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, whether you’ll lose your job, and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do … You may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.”
Substance abuse and domestic violence have also been increasing in the COVID era, and the tie to mental health challenges is there.
With this as a backdrop, in comes Walk for Hope, a collaborative effort introduced by the Northeastern New Mexico Suicide Awareness Project and Recovery Communities of New Mexico. The inaugural Walk for Hope took place on Saturday, Sept. 18, on the Luna Community College campus. The walk itself, which encouraged fundraising but was free to all, honored the memory of loved ones lost to suicide. The event also included a lineup of guest speakers who shared their own insights and experiences with suicide and mental health issues. Various exhibitors provided information on community resources, some to assist with support for mental health.
Hundreds took part in Walk for Hope, which organizer Cynthia Branch – a counselor for Luna’s Student Success Center – said will be just the first of a series of walks to take place across northeastern New Mexico.
“We’re going to spread the word that there’s hope,” said Branch, whose own loss of a loved one to suicide caused anguish but led to a greater resolve to help others. “Their lives are not in vain,” she told the gathering. “Share their stories.”
Tommy Tapia was among the speakers to share his own story – one of difficult times, a low point, recovery and eventually redemption. “I was using substances to cope (with problems),” he said. “I didn’t know there was help available.”
Tapia said he attempted suicide but then found that people who cared about him were indeed there. “I got introduced to people who made the path of helping others. It changed my life.”
“I encourage people to ask for help – and know that help is available.”
Today Tapia is one of those who pays it forward by reaching out to help others.
“It’s a great day to be alive, clean and sober,” said Frances Lucero, another guest speaker who said she also dealt with addiction before getting help. “I found a passion (for) recovery, a passion of giving back … I want to say don’t give up.”
“There is hope, and there is help,” agreed speaker Victoria Baca. “You have to want it … I thank God for the help.”
Baca described some of her story and noted “13 years in recovery – and it’s awesome. I have to move forward for myself, because nobody’s going to do it for me.”
Sophie LaBorwit addressed the crowd and encouraged each of them to be a source of encouragement and positivity for others, even with simple, small actions and words.
“It’s the smallest connections that give us meaning,” she said. “There is hope … it can make all the difference in the world.”
“It’s extremely important (to know about mental health resources),” said Branch. “People who lose somebody go into a dark place. To know you’re not alone is really important. (Going forward), they see that person’s life counts.”
Luna President Dr. Edward Martinez, who welcomed the Walk for Life participants to campus, said the college is glad to be part of the effort. “I believe understanding the issues of suicide and mental health is a way to deal with them … We appreciate you being here … I want to thank Cindy Branch for making Luna Community College a part of this.”
Branch said fundraising efforts generated close to $12,000, which will help pay for future endeavors like Saturday’s event. She said more than 150 community members took part in the actual walk, and many others were there to support the cause.
“It’s great to see all the support here,” said Chelsea Lucero from El Centro Family Health.”