Community gathers for evening of mental health conversation
On Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m., Homestead High School and Gathering on the Green held an evening of music and conversation for teens coping with stress and anxiety. The event was held in the James Barr Auditorium at Homestead High School. The event brought in several guest speakers and performers.
The event was hosted by Katrina Cravy, a speaker, coach, author and moderator. By her side was Hannah Mrozak, an American Idol and The Voice Vocalist/ Storyteller, whom provided a personal anecdote along with music and advice for the younger audience. Additionally, Sue McKenzie, Director of Rogers InHealth specialist, provided insight and professional advice to the older audience who wanted more in-depth information.
The night began with a message from Mr. Matthew Joynt , Superintendent of the Mequon-Thiensville School District. He spoke about the health of teenagers in our community. He then passed the microphone off to Suzette Urbashich, Director of Rogers InHealth, who spoke about the program WISE, “a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals promoting inclusion and support for all affected by mental illness by advancing evidence-based practices for stigma reduction efforts.” The president of Gathering on the Green Executive Director, Rob Kos, then spoke.
Following the introduction, the three main speakers began a conversation about the prevalence of depression and anxiety in teenagers today. McKenzie said that, “The average onset age of depression is 14…and youth don’t come forward. Only 20 to 25% of people get help.” She explained that the good news is that millennials are more willing to talk about mental illness.
Mrozak then shared her story and experience with mental illness. She described it as something, “rotting inside of her.” She added that she, ”felt so ashamed and distraught. I thought, I must be crazy.” After that, she performed several songs for the captive audience.
McKenzie then explained the thinking and stigma of people with mental illness. She said, “the opposite of depression is not happiness, but it is meaningfulness and having a purpose.” Furthermore she gave parents advice on what to do for their kids. She said, “Put your kids into the community. They need to figure out that the world needs them.”
Along with that, McKenzie described the cycle of mental illness that feeds into itself because stress leads to anxiety, and then anxiety leads to depression. Someone then asked McKenzie that if they have a mental illness, who should they tell? She responded by saying that, “Your story is your gold. It’s your story. [You have to decide], what do you want to say and share?”
Morzak sang the song, “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera and said, “you need to love yourself before you love anyone else.” Cravy ended the night by saying, “We had an experience here tonight that no one else has had.”
Caitlin Geurts is a senior and this is her fourth year on staff. She is beyond thrilled to be diving into many different aspects of journalism this year. You...
