Mental health professionals say the pandemic caused a surge in case numbers. Now that increase has become the new normal and the Capital Area's professionals are responding.
Frenchtown's Lincoln Neighborhood Center was full of mental health providers and curious neighbors the evening of Tuesday, May 9. It was the Fourth Annual Be Kind 2 Your Mind Expo. Apalachee Center CEO Jay Reeve said the need for mental health care is reaching historic highs, especially for young people.
"A lot of stress, a lot of tension. Folks trying to cope with that and kids pick all that up."
One of the first responders when it comes to helping troubled folks is the telephone counseling and referral organization 2-1-1 Big Bend where Adrianna Bembree is a counselor.
"So we're not mental health professionals, but we are trained in talking to people, hearing them out and providing that safe space for them to be able to vent. Because that's what a lot of people need is to be able to talk."
If needed, the counselors can connect callers with mental health resources throughout the region for more help.
