Mind Over Matter

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.
Veterans: Wounded Within
Airs Thursday, February 9th at 7pm on WVIA TV
Join our studio audience at WVIA Studio in Pittston for a live taping on the next episode of WVIA and Geisinger's Mind Over Matter series.
Our panel includes Dr. Brian Keller, clinical psychologist and a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army; Brigadier General (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs; Dave Eisele, Director of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs
Amber & Jim
Since transitioning from active duty to veteran status, Amber Viola and Jim McLain have each taken up leadership positions at American Legion Post 274 and are using their respective platforms to build an inclusive community of veterans - shifting the mental health conversation from one of shame and secrecy to one of communal support.
Upcoming Episodes
Hiding in Plain Sight
Part 1 - Thursday, January 12th 7pm
Part 2 - Thursday, January 19th 7pm
This series takes a look at the experiences of young people living with mental health conditions with a focus on the importance of awareness and compassion. This series will shine a light on what life looks like for these young people as well as for the parents, teachers, friends, and healthcare providers in their lives.
Veterans: Wounded Within
Thursday, February 9, 7pm
Moderator Tracey Matisak and a panel of regional mental health experts discuss the mental health struggles of our nation's veterans. Hear stories from people who are coping with mental health challenges and find out where to get help. From the WVIA Public Media Studios in Pittston.
Our Time #101 - PTSD and Mental Illness
Thursday, March 16th 7pm
Over one million veterans in the United States are suffering from PTSD. We rarely hear stories about mental illness through the lens of young people whose parents are suffering. Filmmakers Bailey Francisco and Madison Goddard tackle PTSD and bipolar disorder head-on as they recount their experiences and the ways in which they were forced to bear the brunt of their parents' conditions.
Our Time #103 - Teen Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Thursday, March 16th 7:30pm
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24. Filmmakers Madison Legg and Te'a Santos, both 17, discuss the issue in their films Under the Wire and Surviving. Legg confronts her younger brother who recently attempted suicide. After attempting suicide herself, Santos confronts her parents who were forced to admit their daughter into a psychiatric hospital.
Lives Well Lived
Thursday, May 18th 7pm
Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit and wisdom of people aged 75-100, who reveal their secrets for living a meaningful life. Encompassing 3,000 years of collective life experience, diverse people share life lessons about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive in the midst of life's greatest challenges. Their stories will make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you. -
Quest of Beauty
Thursday, June 15th 7pm
Our need to fit into a society, to be loved and accepted, create an abyss between who we are and who we become. Cris Saur was bullied in school for being taller and skinnier than the rest of the girls. Later she became a model for the exact same features she was bullied for. The pressure for the perfect look left her with a very low self-esteem, and she only realized how damaged her self-esteem was after being physically abused by a former partner. Her distorted ideas of her role as a woman in our society, topped with her low self-esteem were the main reasons why she stayed so long in the abusive relationship. The abuse followed by depression and panic attacks were the catalyst of her quest for beauty.
If you would like to speak with someone about mental health issues, get connected to help:
Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211
Mental Health Hotlines and Resources
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
The Katie Foundation
Luzerne / Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program
Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health Services
Luzerne County Children and Youth Services
Geisinger
The National Institute of Mental Health
Family Service Association of NEPA
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
Scranton Counseling Center
The Wright Center for Community Health