More than 100 mental health professionals, caregivers, and families gathered recently at the Christkindlmarkt in Hamilton County for an event called Skating for Mental Health. Hosted at The Ice at Carter Green in Carmel, the event sold out all skating sessions, attracting around 250 participants per session. It was a joint effort by Retirement Plan Advisors and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Greg Poplarski from Retirement Plan Advisors emphasized the importance of connecting people to local mental health resources, saying, “We want Hoosiers to know that there are a lot of resources here.”
As we approach the holiday season, feelings of isolation can intensify. Antony Sheehan, CEO of Aspire, stated, “Mental health is crucial, especially at this time of year.” Conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
In a positive step, Aspire recently opened a mental health crisis center in Noblesville. This facility provides immediate care for those in crisis and has already served thousands. Sheehan described the center as a “safe place to go” during difficult times.
Statistics show that around 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year. The pandemic only deepened these issues, with many people feeling more disconnected than ever. Events like Skating for Mental Health help to address these challenges by creating supportive communities.
Sheehan believes more conversations are needed. “We’re not there yet,” he said, urging people to talk more openly about mental health. Starting these discussions can be the first step toward healing.
For anyone seeking more information, the National Institute of Mental Health offers valuable resources. You can find it here.
Let’s keep the conversation going and support one another in our mental health journeys.
