Stomp Out Stigma 5K raises money, heart rates

The Rutgers tragedy inspired MU's first annual Suicide Prevention Week.

By Lauren Bale

Published Nov. 9, 2010

The MU Wellness Resource Center began its first Suicide Prevention Week, an event it plans to hold annually, with an inaugural Stomp Out Stigma 5k run held Saturday outside the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center.

Proceeds from the race were given to the Mid-Missouri Crisis Hotline and the MU Active Minds chapter.

WRC Suicide Prevention graduate assistant Sarah Brandt said although a person has no more control over mental issues than physical ones, the stigma surrounding psychological disorders has been increasing.

“Despite people having a better understanding that it’s a biological issue and very similar to physical illnesses, the stigma associated with mental illness is actually on the rise,” she said.

Kelly Sheline, also a Suicide Prevention graduate assistant, said the recent tragedy at Rutgers University in New Jersey, paired with an overall societal stigma against mental illnesses, inspired the group to host the Suicide Prevention week.

“There haven’t been a whole lot of events in the past for suicide prevention, so with everything that’s been going on in college campuses recently, it seemed like the perfect time to have a Suicide Prevention Week,” Sheline said.

Sheline said suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students, accounting for 1,100 deaths a year. The group hopes by erasing the stigma associated with mental illness, communication between those seeking help and those providing support will be better achieved.

Sheline strongly encouraged anyone dealing with mental health issues to find someone to confide in.

“A lot of students don’t know that part of their student fee includes 12 free concealing sessions at the counseling center,” Sheline said. “There are so many avenues of support on campus, so its really important to either talk to a friend or call and make an appointment at the counseling center.”

For some of the runners who participated in the race, supporting the awareness of mental health issues was a contributing factor in their decision to enter.

First-place finisher senior Nick Decoster said his love for running and his desire to support a good cause drove him to compete.

“Definitely there are stereotypes against mental illness, and its something we should probably try to stamp out,” Decoster said.

Decoster, who ran the 3.1 miles in 21 minutes 9 seconds, said he was more focused on placing first than on achieving a specific time.

“I didn’t really train as much physically as mentally,” Decoster said. “I was just going for first and got it in my head that I wanted to keep a certain pace.”

Graduate student Heidi Williams was the first-place female finisher and was only seconds behind DeCoster, with a time of 21 minutes 15 seconds.

“I work for the Wellness Resource Center, and my huge focus is a lot of prevention,” Williams said. “Since this is the inaugural 5K for suicide prevention, I thought I’d come out and help.”

Students Alex Popp and Alex Murer came to the early morning event ready to run, stating that personal experience with mental health issues was the reason for their participation.

“I have friends and family who have battled anxiety and depression before, so I’m running for them,” Popp said.

Like Popp, Murer said a personal connection to the cause was his reason for attending the event.

“I have a close friend who has personally been dealing a lot with mental health issues, and I think it’s a good cause,” Murer said.

Murer said he felt decreasing the stigma associated with mental health issues is extremely important in preventing suicides.

“I think people’s awareness of how real the issues are really makes a difference,” Murer said. “Raising awareness of mental issues is just what we need to do.”