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Conversation key to reducing mental health's stigma

Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA) - 5/15/2015

May 15--Rosemary Ziskovsky, clinical director at Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, wants to eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental health.

"The more people know, the more comfortable they get, the more apt they are to reach out to people," she says. "We just see people hungry for information."

Several agencies gathered recently for a Mental Health Lunch and Learn hosted by Horizons to get that conversation started because they see it as a critical step to creating a positive view of mental illness in the community. According to statistics Horizons shared at the event, suicide is the third-leading causing of death in youth ages 15 to 24. More than 90 percent of children and youth who die by suicide have an underlying mental health disorder.

Talking about suicide won't make someone more likely to end their own life. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. So Horizons will hold a mental health first aid training session on Aug. 17. Participants will learn about some of the most common and serious mental health issues and how you can help those you think might be struggling.

"The idea of that is so people are more comfortable, they're not afraid," she said. "We talk about ways stigma manifests. ... You hope you're helping to create more ambassadors out there."

Horizons also is introducing health and wellness programming because overall wellness is tied to mental health.

"We know if people aren't having healthy food, don't have the basic self-care sort of stuff ... it doesn't help mood disorders and mental health issues," Ziskovsky said.

Last summer, Horizons introduced a sharing local foods program. In the first year, almost 5,000 pounds of produce was donated to Horizons, said Jennifer Barnett, community health manager at Horizons. The food goes directly to clients along with recipes, she said.

Without proper nutrition, completing everyday tasks can be a challenge and take a toll on a person's mental health.

"We're taking a holistic approach to our clients' health," Barnett said. "Everything is interrelated, and we want to make sure that we're touching on all of those things. Food cannot only have an impact on your physical being but also your mental being."

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