Treating mental illness is a whole new ballgame

It’s a warm spring evening in Charlotte, and a perfect night for baseball.

10,197 fans make their way into BB&T Ballpark to watch the Knights play the Norfolk Tides. But there’s more going on in the stadium than baseball and dizzy bat races.

In the stands that night sit 713 adults battling major depression — a full 7% of the crowd.

They’re not sitting in special sections. Or wearing brightly colored shirts.

They look, and act, and seem like everyone else in the crowd that night. But for many, there’s an untold sadness behind their eyes. A pain, that for whatever reason, they’ve been unable to shake. 

Mental illness is invisible. That’s what makes it so challenging. You can see a broken leg, you know what needs to be done to fix it. But someone’s mental health? 

Triumph over Mental Illness:
A Success Story

contributed by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

A life filled with hope and integrity—it’s the goal of many. For Katherine Todd, these words have new meaning because of the partnership, encouragement and resources she has with her Cardinal Innovations Care Coordinator and Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT). 

Challenged by mental illness from a very young age, Katherine has faced the difficulties of managing chronic conditions and navigating complicated systems for health and human services. Years of fragmented care processes had left her with little hope. 

“I knew there were resources, but the system can be overwhelming,” Katherine said. “I didn’t know where to start, where to go or who to call.” 

In May, SHARE Charlotte’s Spotlight Series: #MindYourMentalHealth, sponsored by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, will focus on local nonprofit organizations who provide mental health services. These organizations each offer a different approach to healing individuals with mental health issues in our community be it through counseling groups, services dogs, or educational programs that allow people to better understand their own way of thinking.