About the walk!

I am planning on walking across the U.S starting August 31st 2014. I am starting from Sullivan's Island, S.C. and ending in Shell Beach, California. (Pismo Beach area).

I will most probably start out backpacking it and tent camping in campgrounds, parks, peoples yards...if they are kind enough to let me set up camp for a night. I hope to do 20-30 miles a day starting out, and picking up the pace as I go along!

The purpose of the walk is to bring attention to Mental Health issues, suicide awareness, and the stigma attached to them that many of us have to face and deal with, but are reluctant to talk about, and hopefully help me cope with my own issues.

Exercise is an important part of overall general health, both mentally and physically, and walking is a very good exercise that most people can do. It doesn't have to be cross country or even across town for that matter, just get out, get some fresh air, stimulate the senses and free your mind. 

There are so many people suffering from the symptoms of Anxiety, Panic attacks, Suicidal thoughts and Depression on varying degrees, making it hard for some to cope with jobs, social activities and even life itself.

These are real issues and real illnesses that need our attention! And yes, I said illnesses!

I myself have struggled in years past with several suicide attempts, symptoms of panic attacks, and anxiety, being hospitalized on three different occasions in the late 90's! And to this day I still have symptoms of Anxiety and occasional bouts of Severe Depression.

I have also lost a brother to suicide, Christopher Duane Pozzi Born 9-23-1962 and took his life on 1-25-2005. He left behind a beautiful Daughter whom he loved dearly. He always seemed upbeat, had a great smile on his face, to me that was his trade mark. He was very mechanically gifted, loved cars, motorcycles, guns, and bailing his siblings out with our car problems. In his younger years he did experiment with drugs and liked to drink a lot, he suffered with a lot of anxiety and depression, it seems to run in our family. My point here is, if you met him, it wouldn't even cross your mind he would end his life by suicide. It is amazing what we can hide from those around us and that care for us dearly. I knew he drank of course, but he never shared the negative emotions he was battling with me. 

He was a Father, a Brother and an Uncle, and is missed dearly.

I just feel the urge to walk!