Millions of people are suffering from mental illness
Student’s at Brigham Young University are raising awareness through their Change Direction campaign, a group of five BYU-Idaho students selected Rigby, particularly businesses, to help bring awareness to mental health and help combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The campaign also encourages Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being, which is just as important as physical well-being.
BYU-Idaho Public Relations student Megan Erwin spent her day passing out informational brochures and talking to the public about resources within the community.
“Most people didn’t even know that there are two counseling places to seek help. We have so far a hundred people who have taken our survey and most people have in one way or another suffered from a mental illness,” Erwin said.
Approximately one in five Americans have a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.
Broulim’s in Rigby store director Daryl James said he learned about the local resources that are available.
“In the work force a lot of people don’t want to come out and express their feelings. We want them to be comfortable coming to management so we can point them in the direction to sources that can help them. We want them to be healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. It helps us be a better company when employees are healthy,” James said.
