SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for reflection, education, and breaking the stigma. On Wednesday, a local event in Scranton brought together community members and students to do just that.
At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, a group gathered for Unlocking Mental Health Care, a free program aimed at helping people understand all aspects of mental health care.
Led by a licensed social worker, the event tackled stigma, offered guidance on recognizing when help is needed, and connected attendees with local and online resources.
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"I think we should have more awareness everywhere, like it's not a bad thing to ask for help. I've had to learn that personally, like it's ok to be like I need help with this. I have a question," Geisinger Master's Program Student Isabell Hebert stated.
"Mental health is simply not the presence or the absence of a mental condition, but it is the fluidity of your overall mental well-being. That's going to change throughout your lifetime, and that's ok," Geisinger Regional Manager of Behavioral Health and Therapist Brittany Ketchem told 28/22 News.
Organizers say events like this are a big step toward making mental health care more accessible and more accepted in our communities.
