Local non-profit celebrate mental illness recovery with "Green Rose Day"

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local group is celebrating recovery from mental illness and trying to reduce the stigma that comes along with it.

Mental Health Systems hosted its first ever "Green Rose Day" in West Central Fresno.

Participants wore the color green, which is symbolic for new beginnings, along with roses, which bloom each year after the winter.

Those who have recovered from mental illness shared their stories today.

There were also different activities to help people better understand how the non-profit can help.

Organizers say people going through other types of diseases have a far different experience than those who are dealing with mental illness.

Laura Whitehouse of Mental Health Systems said, "Today is about trying to reduce the stigma of mental illness and making sure people understand, you know, mental illness is okay. It's also a disease, and when people are having a challenge.

They need support too."

Organizers hope to celebrate "Green Rose Day" every year during the first week of October, which is also mental illness awareness week.