A Personal View of the Importance of World Mental Health Day

Saturday, October 10, 2020, marks World Mental Health Day, a day that seeks to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. With the approval and support of his family, in honor of our dear friend and colleague, Craig Robel, we will be joining the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) New Jersey Out of the Darkness experience this year. Join Team Robel in our effort to Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide.

Globally, statistics show that approximately 450 million people are suffering from some type of mental illness, thus making mental health issues one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 5 people are affected. Unfortunately, these numbers only continue to increase as the world around us evolves.

Globally, statistics show that approximately 450 million people are suffering from some type of mental illness

Mental health issues are not always comfortable topics for people to talk about or recognize, especially for those who are actually suffering. Because of the discrimination that people face, issues are often swept under the rug, excused or denied, or just flat out ignored. The negative stigma involving mental health prevents many people from seeking the proper treatment they require to recover and live a healthy life.

Last year, something very tragic happened that shook our Ogilvy family. Our dear friend and colleague, Craig Robel, died by suicide at the age of 37 on August 7, 2019. Craig was a positive light within his Finance team and someone to whom many turned for an ear, a laugh, or guidance. He was a rock to so many of his peers, but no one knew that Craig was suffering from a serious battle with depression—one that he eventually lost last summer. This took everyone he knew by surprise because Craig, like so many others, never showed any signs of the struggles he was facing to his friends until it was too late for anyone to help him.

Craig was a positive light within his Finance team and someone to whom many turned for an ear, a laugh, or guidance.

The goal for World Mental Health Day and for organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is to help promote awareness of mental health issues and to encourage those struggling to open up and communicate.

Throughout the month of October, in honor of Craig, Ogilvy Health’s Team Robel, and personal friends, will be looking for members to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness virtual experience taking place on November 1, 2020. They will also be collecting donations in the hope of reaching their team goal.

Any funds raised will go to the AFSP to help them achieve their goal of reducing the rate of suicide by 20% by the year 2025. The money will be used to help fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss throughout New Jersey.

If you are interested in joining Team Robel for the virtual experience, click HERE. Upon registering, you will be asked to set a personal fundraising goal, which rolls up to the team goal. After registration, you will then have your own personal page to share with family and friends to help meet your fundraising goal. (Please note: although the site asks for individuals to enter a personal fundraising goal, you are not required to raise money — those who simply want to show support by joining us at the virtual experience are welcome as well.)

If you can’t make the event and would like to donate to Team Robel, please click HERE.

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Virtual Walk Day Experience Details: