8/52 Virginia McKinnell
8/52 Virginia McKinnell
“Where did I get the idea to start Mind Over Miles? Honestly because I had psychosis and didn’t understand it beforehand.. I had known people who had psychosis and I think my own stigma towards mental illness was what prompted me to want to start Mind Over Miles. I remember before my episode thinking “That will never happen to me, I’m exempt from that”. I don’t do any drugs, I come from a nice family, you just don’t think it’s going to happen to you… But the reality is, It’s an illness, it’s not in your control and your mind can be completely hijacked.. so how are you supposed to help yourself unless people have a better understanding. I think if we share our stories, we’ll all be better equipped to help people and empathize.
I also wanted to create a fundraising vehicle because psych wards are so historically underfunded. We need to do something to raise money and help people. I just want to do anything I can to give back because they saved my life.”