WhySound holds benefit concert for mental health awareness
The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) released data earlier this year that mental health affects millions of Americans nationwide. On top of that, it is proven that over 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime, as well as knowing a family member or a friend suffering from mental illness as well. It is not only a prevalent issue but one with a tight social stigma surrounding it as well.
That’s why Sammy Pond who graduated in social work and is the lead singer in the band Summer Bloom reached out to Day One to help them organize the event. Day One is a charitable non-profit that focuses on providing therapy funding for underserved individuals in Utah regardless of their ability to pay.
“It’s fun for me because I get to combine two of my great loves– social work and music,” said Pond. “I think that mental health is a huge issue that impacts many and it has been taboo forever to talk about it, and still is in certain families and cultures.”
Pond goes on to say that only recently has the discussion about mental illness become more openly discussed on social media which is a great start to helping people feel less isolated.
“I hope that this event will help normalize mental illness so that people will feel more comfortable to talk about it. I think that this will be the right step in helping people to be willing to seek help when they need it,” said Pond.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Developed assessed that 90% of suicides are related to mental illness. On top of that, over 45% of the homeless population suffers from mental illness. Pond himself is diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and has suffered from the stigma surrounding mental illness.
“I felt like a pariah when I first developed Bipolar disorder and got in trouble with the law,” said Pond. “I just want people to know they aren’t alone.”
The Battle for Mental Health concert will be held at the Whysound Venue on October 26th at 7 pm. Acts include Summer Bloom, Good Call, Open Door Policy, Big Sis and The Sinks. Pre-sale tickets are available at https://www.dayonecommunity.com or can be accessed through band members. They will be $8 at the door or $7 with a student ID. As well as a concert, there will be a Halloween contest, fun games and prizes, and a silent auction.
@dillydahle
—-Pond himself is diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and has suffered from the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The above is only true to those trained to accept there is a stigma, he has been discriminated against if you have not. He has experienced prejudice, if you have not. He has experienced harassment, if you have not.
One can cater to the description “stigma” or not. I do not. History has taught me to not.
Harold A Maio, retired mental health editor