JACKSON, Mich. (WSYM) - Supporters say today's event was more than suicide prevention awareness, they say its about bringing mental health into everyday discussion.
"Just get in the habit of talking about it, its okay to say you are struggling with depression that day, no different than saying you might be struggling with allergies that day," said Mike Veny.
Mike Veny is a leading mental health speaker. He says talking about mental health doesn't mean you have to disclose everything, just the emotions and thoughts you have on your mind.
"It's so important that we learn how to be comfortable talking about it these very sensitive issues because talking about it get people get the help that they need," said Myeshia Jones, mental health speaker & Miss Today's International Woman.
Ted is a supporter of this cause. He tells me he recently lost his nephew in April, he comes to this event to raise awareness for the help that is needed in mental health care.
"If we all do our part that should make a difference and hopefully try to put this away" Ted Briningstool said.
Supporters say they believe the key to putting it away could be government funding.
Mike says he would like to see more legislation put into mental health funding.
"But what's is going to lead to is a much more productive economy if people are taking care of their mental health that's going to improve their productivity in the workplace" Mike said.
And outside the workplace, it's important to just ask people how they are doing, because in his presentation Mike said depression does not look like anything.
"And a lot of times we make assumptions, if someone is looking put together, doing well in life that everything is OK" Mike said.
Coordinators tell me they want people to walk away with the message of lets take mental health seriously.
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