The walk, hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina, brought together people of all ages -- many honoring their own mental health journeys or those of loved ones.
For Taylor Sanders, the event hit close to home. She said she first experienced suicidal thoughts after her grandmother died in 2015.
"I didn't know how to explain the emotions to my mom or my family," Sanders said. She hopes sharing her story will encourage others, especially teens, to reach out for help before reaching a crisis point.
"Every day, one to three individuals -- including teenagers -- are dying," she said. "If we don't ask for help or show up for others, more people will struggle in silence."
Felicia McPherson, a burn survivor, said NAMI played a key role in her recovery as she dealt with depression and workplace PTSD. She now works as a peer support specialist and licensed mental health counselor.
"You are not alone," McPherson said. "We are here for you at NAMI. We have local, state and national affiliates ready to help."
NAMI North Carolina reports that one in four North Carolinians is living with a mental health condition. Executive Director Rodney Brooks said recognizing changes in behavior is one of the most important ways to spot when someone may be struggling.
"Maybe they're not attending things they used to, or they're not able to be present in the same way," Brooks said. "Those changes matter."
A day of community and support
Organizers said the event was filled with music, dancing and an overall sense of community. Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce served as honorary walk chair and marshal.
"It's joyous," said NAMI Communications Director Amy Brundle. "We've got music, people dancing, people excited to be here."
Despite the upbeat atmosphere, participants stressed the seriousness of the mission -- and the importance of checking in on loved ones.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or experiencing distressing thoughts, you can call or text 988, the nationwide lifeline that connects people to trained counselors and mental health resources.