Why I’m Running: ‘Asking for help or offering it can change a life’
"As a mental health provider, I’ve seen the pain and suffering people experience, but I’ve also seen resilience, hope, and that people’s situations can get better."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Kevin Hayden
Age: 45
Location: North Easton, MA
This is my second year running the Boston Marathon with Samaritans, a Massachusetts nonprofit that provides life-saving suicide prevention services. As a mental health provider, I’ve seen the pain and suffering people experience, but I’ve also seen resilience, hope, and that people’s situations can get better.
Asking for help or offering it can change a life. Running the Boston Marathon is my way of giving back and raising awareness for mental health and breaking the stigma. Too many people suffer in silence, and too many misconceptions still exist about mental health and suicide.
I wish more people knew that asking for help is always an option and that no situation is impossible to overcome. Things can get better.
If my message reaches just one person, encouraging them to seek help, support a loved one, or challenge the stigma, then I’ve made a difference.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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