Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent and local mental health organizations are seeking new ways to provide support and raise awareness. Among these, Still I Run uses the idea of exercise to bring together the community through a sense of caring and a concern for physical health. Founded in 2016 by Sasha Wolff, Still I Run promotes runners to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement in pursuit of mental health via running chapters across the country.
Sasha Wolff, the founder of Still I Run, understands the power of running and what it can do for your mental health. At a low point in life, Wolff turned to running as a form of therapy, finding strength with every stride. She founded Still I Run with the belief that no one should face mental illness alone.
“The basic but important goal of Still I Run is to use running’s therapeutic benefits to de-stigmatize mental illness,” Wolff noted. In addition to exercise, Still I Run chapters aim to establish safe spaces where people can talk honestly about their challenges.
Rose Willson, interim president for Still I run, said the organization is continuing tho progress its goals through community building.
“Running is a form of therapy and a way to bring the community together for a greater cause. It allows people to see that they have allies and support right within their neighborhoods,” Willson said.
As Still I Run looks towards the future, its vision remains the same as the day it was founded.
“Our vision is to create a world where mental health is openly discussed. Through continued advocacy and community engagement, the organization looks to expand and reach an even larger crowd to help spread their message,” said Michael Capiraso, the organization’s interim chairperson.
It is with resilience that Still I run stands as an organization in a world where mental health is often shut down and not talked about. As individuals lace up their shoes and join the movement, they are not only running towards the finish line but towards a brighter, more resilient future for mental health advocacy.