Community Corner

Mental Illness Bike Ride Coming to Mahwah

Bike ride starting at Ramapo College next month will attempt to 'Fight Stigma & Ride.'

The following release was submitted to Patch by NAMI New Jersey.

NAMI New Jersey, the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), invites you to a challenging and scenic ride through the Ramapo Mountains on Sunday, October 13.  Offering three marked and supported road courses, they’ll be breakfast, lunch and plenty of snacks to get you up and over those mountain roads!

Taking place at Ramapo College (505 Ramapo Valley Road), the bike event will raise awareness about mental illness, treatment and recovery—and the need for important services and support for individuals and families affected by mental health issues. 

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Riding under the banner "Fight Stigma & Ride!" NAMIBikes cyclists pedal to celebrate the hope of recovery and raise awareness that mental illness affects over 60 million Americans each year.

Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We ride to break-down the stereotypes that surround mental health issues," explains Sylvia Axelrod, the Executive Director of NAMI New Jersey. “When we see the same compassion given for a diagnosis of a mental illness as we give for a physical illness then we will begin to see real change.”

Serious mental illnesses include: major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These illnesses are real, they are treatable and they affect people from all walks of life. 

For more information about NAMIBikes, how to donate, ride or volunteer, please visit: www.FightStigmaAndRide.org, or contact Mat Mendel at matmendel@gmail.com.


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