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April 1, 2014

Mall Tragedy Underscores Errors of Mental Health Stigma

It’s been about two months since Columbia experienced the sadness and loss of random public violence. In that attack, 19-year-old Darion Aguilar murdered Brianna Benlolo and Tyler Johnson, employees at a Zumiez store in The Mall in Columbia, and injured a third individual before turning the shotgun on himself. Police later discovered a crudely improvised bomb in his backpack.

Subsequent investigations indicated Aguilar was aware that he had a mental health problem, documenting his anguished thoughts in a journal and confiding in the general physician he visited.

– See more at: http://www.bizmonthly.com/mall-tragedy-underscores-errors-of-mental-health-stigma/#sthash.quw4PUa8.dpuf

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If a mental health or substance use challenge is affecting you or someone you know, there are several resources available to learn more or get connected with help. If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in case of emergency.

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