Third Annual eRace the Stigma 5K hopes to raise mental health awareness

May marks mental health awareness month and one race in Salisbury had a mission to erase the stigma of mental health in the community.

A little bit of rain didn't stop these runners on Saturday, May 13, 2017, who hit the streets of Downtown Salisbury, for the third annual eRace the Stigma 5K.

The race director, Lynn Sande tells 47 ABC, she wanted to raise awareness on the stigma of mental illnesses after her daughter had to seek treatment.

"What we're trying to do is get people start conversations about their mental health and how important mental health is and not to be ashamed if they are experiencing different system of depression or other symptoms," Sande says.

All the money from the 5K will go directly to a family who is experiencing these type of symptoms.

47 ABC spoke to race supporter Jessica Schweikert, who says she struggles with a mental health problem.

Schweikert tells us raising these funds are crucial, since treatment can be expensive.

"Based on my own experiences just appointments with doctors have been like $150 a session and that's like every week, sessions, and it just adds up," Schweikert tells 47 ABC.

And for Schweikert, these therapy sessions are necessary and even life changing.

Sande says this race is making strides by trying to erase what they call the embarrassment attached to mental health issues and hopes to encourage community members to seek help if needed.

We are told some people who have mental health issues may take drugs in an attempt to alleviate symptoms.

But supporters at the race say therapy can be a great outlet to help those symptoms.

And this race also had a few mental health agencies at the event. Lead4Life was one of the agencies that offers individual therapy and family therapy. 

Another Salisbury counseling center there called LifeMark hopes to also be a resource for the community.

The agency provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

They even offer group counseling.

LifeMark helps those facing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

With the epidemic of opioid use, Life Mark's CEO, Marion Travers, says they are hoping to reach out to community members to provide those mental health services.

"I think it's important just so that folks know there is resource out there and there are resources to be able to get the mental health services they need, even though funding is often low, we want to be able to provide services."

LifeMark tells us mental health disorders are more common than one might think.

It affects one in five young people today interfering with their social, emotional, and cognitive development.