Walt’s Waltz aims to end dance around mental health conversations

Spartanburg, SC

Across the nation, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. First observed in 1949, it focuses on addressing the mental health challenges that face millions of Americans. For Susan Fischer Crooks, every day of every month is dedicated to the cause.

Crooks is the founder of Walt’s Waltz, an advocacy organization that promotes mental health support and education with the goal of changing the way that mental health care is perceived. The group has offered support, education and hope to 11,000 people since its beginnings.

A Tragic Inspiration

The idea arose from almost unspeakable tragedy and loss. Susan Crooks’ older son, Walt, died from treatment-resistant anxiety and depression that led to suicide. He was 35 and had struggled with the condition for 20 years, all while earning two degrees from Clemson, establishing a career as a teacher and getting married. He died August 22, 2019.

Afterward, Crooks, a longtime teacher, says that she didn’t know how she could go on. But her younger son, Will, provided a spark. “Two days after (Walt’s) death, Will put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and said, ‘Mom, we will start a movement. If we save one life …,’” she says.

That movement has grown into Walt’s Waltz, named for the ¾-time tempo that Walt favored in his music. One of the group’s mottos is “let’s stop dancing around mental health conversations.”

Organic Growth and Impact

Since its founding, the organization has served more than 11,000 people from across the Upstate and beyond, as well as conducting hundreds of workshops and classes. It has grown organically, Crooks says, with volunteers and through collaborations with experts in the field.

Crooks works for Walt’s Waltz full-time, without a salary. “We have no paid staff, but with interns, volunteers and a strong board, we are making a difference,” Crooks says.

The group has received grants from organizations like euphoria, Kentucky Fried Wishes, and Dabo Swinney’s All-In Foundation, but that money has been plowed back into programs. Crooks says those programs include efforts to encourage individuals to take their mental health “temperature,” to promote and provide education and outreach, and to create environments where mental health care is not stigmatized but encouraged from the inside out.

Stigma-Free Environments

Stigma-Free Environments include health care and arts organizations, the City of Greenville offices, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey club, and USC Upstate in Spartanburg. The businesses and organizations have committed to support those with mental and physical conditions, to promote educational programs and to sign a stigma-free pledge to promote mental health.

Through May 14, Walt’s Waltz is holding its 4th annual “Raffle Rouser” virtual fundraising event, with a goal of raising $50,000. Local individuals and businesses have signed on as sponsors and provided goods and services that will be awarded to winners of the drawings.

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts is hosting “Mental Health Moonshot,” an art exhibition and screening of short films focused on mental health topics. The exhibit runs until June 26. More information can be found at waltswaltz.com.