In more than 100 days, he’s walked over 2,000 miles, taken 4.85 million steps and crossed through five states.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A mental health advocate is walking across America to raise awareness about men’s mental health and suicide prevention. 

Tim Perreira, a former tech sales leader turned entrepreneur and wellness coach, has so far walked 2,450 miles. He has 550 miles left before reaching his destination. 

Thursday marked day 134 of walking from California to Virginia Beach. His five-month journey has taken him across five states and he’s more than halfway through Tennessee.

Perreir is on shoe pairs seven and eight—and it’s all to raise awareness for men’s mental health. 

“I think the stigma is really strong for men,” he said. “Providing is good, protection is good, and standing up for others is good, but the armor we carry and never take off is weighing on us.”

His work in men’s mental health comes from the path he once walked through.

“From 2016 to 2020, I kind of battled this rollercoaster of depression and anxiety,” Perreis said. “I went back to the deepest depression, it was my first time experiencing suicidal thoughts.”

Research from East Tennessee State University shows men have a higher suicide rate than women. According to the report, Tennessee is now one of more than 10 states that make up the “Suicide Belt” across the U.S. from East to West. 

The report also listed West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Nevada as part of the belt. 

State data reveals Tennessee’s suicide rate is 19% higher than the national average. 

“It’s actually learning to feel and be with our challenges so we can fuel our strength,” Perreir said. 

In his almost 3,000 mile-journey, he’s also raising $50,000 dollars for mental health groups.  

He’s walking for himself—and for the man before him, beside him and after him.

If you need immediate help you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness Knoxville can also connect you with resources.