The Power of Connection: Raising Awareness for Mental Health and Baby Loss
Tuesday 1st Oct
This past month has been an emotional whirlwind for me as I completed a fundraiser for SANDS in honour of my precious babies. Though difficult, it was a vital part of my healing process—both to honour their memory and raise awareness for the often hidden grief of baby loss.
As I move forward into October, I find myself at the starting line again, this time for Ribbon Run and Rethink Mental Health—a charity dedicated to supporting people with mental health challenges and breaking the stigma around it. I knew in my heart that I couldn’t just stop there.
These two causes are not just significant on their own but are deeply interconnected. The emotional toll of baby loss is immense, and for many, it’s a grief that can extend well beyond the immediate loss. It often leads to long-term mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet, this connection between baby loss and mental health is rarely discussed, leaving many families to struggle in silence.
That’s why I couldn’t just pick one cause to support. I knew that both SANDS and Rethink Mental Illness deserved attention, and not just for a fleeting moment, but for the lasting impact they can have on individuals and families. By participating in both fundraisers, I hope to shed light on how intricately linked these issues are. Supporting families through their grief and offering mental health resources can help create a better, more understanding world for those who have suffered in silence for far too long.
Every step I take in these fundraisers is a step towards breaking that silence. It’s a step towards compassion, towards understanding, and towards creating a world where no one feels like they’re walking this difficult path alone. The support I’ve received so far has been overwhelming, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has walked with me, whether physically or in spirit.
So as I lace up my shoes for the Ribbon Run and continue my efforts for Rethink Mental Illness, I carry with me the hope that together, we can make a real difference. Let’s raise awareness, let’s offer support, and most importantly, let’s break the silence—for our babies, for our mental health, and for our future.
With love,
Andreea🩷🩵
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