Those suffering from mental health issues often become victims of discrimination and social isolation due to the stigma attached to these disorders. This stigma is a significant public health issue and can inhibit those with mental illness to seek proper treatment and recovery.

In order to combat the stigma and increase awareness, prevention, treatment and management of a range of mental Illnesses, WVIA and Geisinger are presenting a new mental health initiative called Mind Over Matter. Like WVIA’s successful Battling Opioids series, this public health initiative aims to improve the mental and physical health of our community through a multi-platform approach that will include TV, radio and digital content.

Mind Over Matter presents Uncertainty: Why We're So Anxious About Anxiety

Uncertainty: Why We're So Anxious About Anxiety presents an open discussion as an effort to heighten awareness, increase understanding, provide resources, and offer hope to those whose lives have been impacted by the mental health condition defined as Anxiety.

Living with Alzheimer's & Dementia

Thursday, August 26th, 8pm

An estimated five million people in the U.S. are living with some form of dementia. By 2050, barring any major scientific breakthroughs, the number of people living with dementia is expected to balloon to nearly 14 million. Taking into consideration the family members and other people who provide daily care, Alzheimer's and dementia will have a huge impact on our communities. LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA explores the effects these diseases have on individuals, families and communities. The program reveals the myths and stigmas that have hindered better living and caretaking, and examines the heavy burden of costs associated with the disease-whether financial, physical or psychological. Lastly, it looks at innovative ways of meeting the challenges of dementia care. Weaving together personal stories of those who are living with dementia, insight from their care partners, and commentary from leading experts in dementia, the documentary lays the foundation for a better understanding of the disease, ways to care for those with dementia, and the support systems families need in order to provide that care.

Losing Lambert: A Journey Through Survival & Hope

Thursday, September 16th, 8pm

Kathy O'Hern Fowler, who lost her 16-year-old son to suicide in 1995, spent years struggling with the loss and grief. However, the life-altering experience led her to advocate for other parents who tragically find themselves in the same position. The touching and insightful LOSING LAMBERT: A JOURNEY THROUGH SURVIVAL & HOPE explores the heart-rending questions left in the wake of suicide, interviews parents struggling to cope with the pain and stigma, and offers hope for the future of suicide prevention. At a survivors meeting, parents speak candidly about the loss of their children - their darkest hours - in an effort to raise awareness about teen suicide and to help others find compassion and support. The documentary also focuses on the promising medical research being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University. Their preliminary findings show impulse-control problems in the brains of suicidal teens, an impressive discovery researchers hope may someday lead to better identification and treatment for at-risk teenagers.

Kids in Crisis: You're Not Alone

Thursday, September 16th, 8:30pm

This 30-minute documentary follows four young people -- TJ Esser, Alex Hart-Upendo, Barrett Poetker and Reyna Saldana - as they navigate various mental health challenges. They have endured assault, bullying, incarceration and discrimination. Some thought about suicide. But through the pain they found support from family, friends and strangers and strength within themselves. They're sharing their stories to let others know they're not alone and that healing is possible. 

PA Mental Health Resources
211
neighborlypa.com
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1; or text 838255
PA Trauma-Informed Network

Geisinger
The National Institute of Mental Health
Crisis Text Line: text the word 'Home' to 741-741
The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386
The Trans Lifeline: call 1-877-565-8860