Why is suicide prevention part of this year's AJC Peachtree Road Race?
A group representing the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is taking part. ATLANTA  Among the many people who will take part in this years AJC Peachtree Road Race is a group running to help people suffering from anxiety and depression. Marianna Cruzs 6.2-mile jaunt down Peachtree Street is part of her effort to put a time of stress in the distant past. I was experiencing anxiety, very bad anxiety, says Cruz. She started walking, then running. The anxiety ebbed away. Its providing you that belief in yourself, says Cruz. I believe I can run another mile. I believe that Im stronger. Youre building that trust in yourself.  She will be part of the group taking part in this years Peachtree Road Race representing the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The foundation is one of nine non-profits chosen as charity partners for this years race. A survey conducted last year found a growing number of people who had taken to exercise to relieve stress brought on by the pandemic. 78% of the people whod taken up running said they felt more in control. 82% said it helped clear their minds. Representatives of the Georgia Chapter of the Foundation for Suicide Prevention will run the Peachtree to raise awareness. Theyll also raise money that will be spent on education and research. We also supply support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide, says Chris Owens of the Georgia Chapter. In Georgia, we have Healing Conversations, and these are trained volunteers who visit.  Marianna now volunteers for the foundation. She insists shes not a runner. Ive been running close to six-and-a-half miles but, its been a whole process, says Cruz.