Battling Mind Striders: Schizophrenia Awareness Month a success, more events planned

Walk for awareness on Saturday May 24 in Wellsville

By Jacob Witter, organizer, pictured with his biggest supporter M.A. Newark

The halfway point for the Schizophrenia Awareness Month has given the attendees a new perspective on the importance of learning about mental health and specifically schizophrenia. It’s great to educate the public about the difficulties those with schizophrenia go through. The stigma attached to this illness is what we hope to change when people are attending these events. The first 3 events have been successful.

May 3: Meditation/ Prayer for Mental Health allowed those who attended the opportunity to get acquainted with oneself and others through meditation and prayer. Br. Kevin Kriso, OFM of Mt. Irenaeus/ St. Bonaventure University had those in attendance to close one’s eyes and take time to breathe in-and-out while he said things. He allowed those in attendance to either stand or sit. An example of what he was saying through the meditation/ prayer was being at a lake and carefully viewing the different things one is seeing while our eyes were closed. He carefully articulated the things he said and this allowed for the attendee to become in a calm state. Overall those in attendance felt at ease and loved how Br. Kevin was able to help the attendee get acquainted with oneself.

May 10: The Information Booth was located at the Community Bank in Wellsville, NY where 2 individuals from Community Bank, 1 person from Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, NY, and myself (Jacob W) and another BMS group member attended. We helped to create awareness through those in our community about mental health and schizophrenia. Many organizations allowed BMS to create awareness in our community about numerous organizations. Comfort House had information and gave away pens. The Community Bank gave away rep-payee brochures and other information while they had a fun game called plinko. It was really cool because the very first two people who came to the info booth were from Olean, NY and they specifically came for this event. The father said that his son has schizophrenia so it was important to attend this event. We had about 20 people who came up to the info booth.

May 17: Volunteer Day at Comfort House where individuals who volunteered were able to give back to the community. This day allowed volunteers to do numerous tasks: weed eating, clean up debris, and etc. The numerous tasks gave the volunteers the opportunity to gain a new perspective that helped their mental/ physical health. The Comfort House advisors gave a generous donation that will go towards the BMS/ Overcoming Challenges Scholarship.

Quotes from attendees:

• Br. Kevin Kriso: “I was very happy to take part in schizophrenia awareness, one of my cousins suffered for many years with schizophrenia and at the time nobody knew how to treat him. And then I’m really happy that we’re moving forward for treatment and awareness and reducing stigma.”
• Crystal Main: “Meeting Jacob and getting connected with BMS was by blind chance and timing. I have since attended 1 event which I was anxious to attend. Thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of Jacob I was able to step out of my comfort zone and help give back while overcoming personal difficulties in the moment. This is a great opportunity for anyone facing any type of mental illness to join forces with individuals that also work to conquer their limitations on a daily basis while doing good for others in the process.”
• Emily Piliero: “The two events I attended got me to help and learn from those at the events. I got the chance to try something new especially not having a religious background but by doing new things it has given me a new light on things by learning about schizophrenia and other mental health issues.”   
• Jacob Witter: “While I pictured a different path in life, I’m blessed for everyone in my life who has been there to help me. I probably wouldn’t be here today without their help. These events for Schizophrenia Awareness Month have helped me tremendously because I’m able to gain a new perspective. I’ve learned new things from everyone that has attended thus far. For me, if I can help at least one person from these events then I truly have done my purpose. Remember, to never give up! You got this!”

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Two Events Left in May:

Monetary Donations Accepted toward the BMS “Overcoming Challenges Scholarship Fund.”