By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Naked bungy jumpers stand in solidarity with anyone suffering mental health challenges

Mar 8, 2019 | 8:17 AM

NANAIMO — Hundreds will stand naked in the bright light of day and take a leap of faith to support mental health awareness.

They’ll jump from the 150 ft. bridge at Wildplay Element Parks and drop towards the freezing Nanaimo River to raise money for the B.C. Schizophrenia Society.

Society peer worker Paula Roumeliotis, who told NanaimoNewsNOW she’s grappled with mental health challenges for over 40 years, said the jump is symbolic of what those with a mental illness face every day.

“The challenge and the courage it takes for them to live their lives, step out and try new things. We’re standing in solidarity with them and facing the fears they do.”

In the 13 years since the naked bungy jump event started, Roumeliotis said she’s seen “an incredible openness of people to have discussions about mental illness.”

whale rescue

Killer whale calf trapped in B.C. swims out of lagoon

1h ago

permanent home

'We're hugely grateful:' Nanaimo Men's Shed group finds a place to call home

6h ago

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

18h ago

Though mental health challenges are being discussed more in mainstream media and there’s numerous organizations offering help and assistance, Roumeliotis said there’s still a long way to go before the stigma of mental health challenges is removed.

Society administrative coordinator Ben Carson said standing in the buff waiting to take the plunge is a great way for families who might be suffering in silence to bond with others in a similar situation.

“I think as soon as people know you can talk about it and there’s places to go, it can do a world of good.”

Carson said there will also be a campfire at night after the Saturday jump to extend more opportunities for conversation.

“People come around the campfire and tell stories of what they’ve gone through. I think that can be a really good experience for people, to hear from others about the challenges they’ve had and come through.”

Nearly 2,000 people have jumped from the bridge in the last 13 years, raising close to $220,000 for the B.C. Schizophrenia Society.

An anonymous donor matches all donations up to $25,000.

Supporters will pay $55 to support the society, though anyone who’s fundraised more than $200 doesn’t have to pay.

The first jump takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9 and the event ends on Sunday, March 10 at 6 p.m.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @nanaimonewsnow