Support Our Cause:
I can imagine that in one way or another, we all have been involved directly or indirectly on stories of mental illness and the seeking of wellness.
Personally this journey means the joy in helping an individual to bring a smile, after years of struggling with depression and darkness. It also means relief that he or she has found professional, practical support in caring for a loved one who is going through mental disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any depressive issues.
These symptoms can become scary; however it is important to remember that they are treatable. Individuals diagnosed with these problems can live full, rewarding lives, especially if they seek treatment as needed.
Family members and friends can be an invaluable resource and we can't ignore them and not their feelings, we should do our best to help in every way we can.
They are many stories that speak in a whisper of journeys from despair to hope, from isolation to community and from fear to peace of mind, that sometimes we don't listen to or we don't realized of their importance, I support this cause now, before it's too late.
Personal circumstances motivated me personally to commit to this cause thought such an endurance event as the one we are trying to achieve.
The Great Divide Bike Ride is a continental self-supported ride of epic proportions;
3 Countries, 2 riders and 1 goal, to raise awareness of Mental Health and the importance of Suicide Prevention.
The Great Divide Bike Ride (GDBR) is about creating a conversation around mental health conditions. Studies reveal that 40 Million adults in US have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder.
With that in mind, we want to bring awareness into this national concern.
The goal is not only to ask for your help, but to improve communication and reduce stigma. Reaching out to those affected is important because having your support is an essential tool for recovery and wellness. One of the many ways of battling against depression, anxiety and prevent suicide is by doing things that make us happy such as riding our bikes or being around friends and family.
Our attempt is to fight against social stigmas while spreading the word of seeking help and practicing wellness and recovery.
ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) reveals that 18% of the population in the US is currently affected and continues to rise.
Facts:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Social Anxiety Disorder
15 million, 6.8%
Equally common among men and women, typically beginning around age 13. According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.
Specific Phobias
19 million, 8.7%
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Typically begins in childhood; the median age of onset is
7.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are closely related to anxiety disorders, which some may experience at the same time, along with depression.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
7.7 million, 3.5%
Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Rape is the most likely trigger of PTSD: 65% of men and 45.9% of women who are raped will develop the disorder.
Childhood sexual abuse is a strong predictor of lifetime likelihood for developing PTSD.
This national concern can no longer be ignored or stigmatize and we must all do our part in helping others.
About the Ride:
DISTANCE
From Canada thru United States to Mexico.
2,768.4 miles; (4,455.3 km) long.
ELEVATION
Over 200,000 feet (60,960 meters) of elevation gain and loss.
RIDE TIME
28 Days.
RIDERS
Stan Lindquist
David de Sotomayor
Your help will go directly to different non profit organizations for Mental Health, treatment services and/or community mental health organizations.
DONATE FOR A GOOD CAUSE AND HELP THOSE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING SERVICES TO CONTINUE TREATMENT AND HELP SAVE LIVES.
(Source: National Institute of Mental Health).