Red Door campaign moving forward in mental illness awareness
Story by Jimmy Appelt - Graphic by Michelle Price
Mental illness encompasses a wide-range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect the mood, thinking and behavior of an individual suffering from the condition.
The many conditions include, but not limited to, Alzheimers,dementia, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders psychosis and schizoaffective disorder), postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dissociative disorders and tic disorders with many that could lead to taking of one’s own life.
Individuals who struggle from mental illness as well as their families and friends who care for them, are constantly in need of support of the community in regards to awareness and education, services and providers.
A drawing by a five year-old girl that included a red door at the bottom center of it became the inspiration for establishing “The Red Door Fund for Mental Health” through the Fayette Community Foundation in 2021.
According to the Red Door Fund website, the red door symbolizes something friendly, desirable and positive.
The idea is based on various customs and cultures and overall the red door symbolizes an invitation and protection.
Symbolizations from the website include in the Bible where the red door involved the Israelites smearing lamb’s blood to serve as protection against the Angel of Death.
In the middle ages, cathedrals were built with red crosses on the door and anyone passing through it meant they were on holy ground and in a safe place.
In America, a very old tradition was to paint doors red to serve as an invitation for weary and tired travelers on the road into the home to rest.
People suffering from mental illness are tired and thinking of suicide. In addition, loved ones caring for them are exhausted and feel isolated and scared.
As a result, the website says, “The mentally ill person and loved ones, all need red doors. They all need a place to rest, feel safe and protected,and a place to feel welcome and not alone.”
In addressing this matter, a campaign started in 2021 that opened a fund with the Fayette Community Foundation was named The Red Door Fund for Mental Health, Mental Illness and has expanded since that time.
The Red Door Fund for Mental Health website said, the fund provides the resources for those struggling with mental illness and their loved ones in the rural region in allowing access to the resources they need and be able to navigate those resources.
It also allows for any person for support and feel accepted, understood, and unashamed.
In 2022, the fund raised $17,840 of which $10,850 was invested back into the community for mental health awareness and education.
Now in 2023 thus far, The Red Door Fund has already raised $63,000 that will be invested back into the region to increase mental health services and programs.
This month, the foundation is kicking off the campaign and are hoping to surpass its numbers to spread mental health awareness in the region.
If you want to join the Red Door mission and change mental health awareness and access locally, consider reaching out or making a donation contact the Red Door Fund a faycofoundation.com or mail to P.O. Box 664, La Grange, Texas 78945.