This annual event kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month by providing people with available resources.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — “Never give up” and “Your story is not over” are just some of the signs and reminders to Peninsula residents at the Brittingham Midtown Community Center in Newport News. It's just a department.
“Mental health is a huge issue in our community. There's a lot of trauma that goes unaddressed,” said Ivy Baptist Church Pastor Kevin Swan.
On Saturday morning, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Committee kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with its second annual Mental Health Expo to educate the community and address misconceptions.
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“I think the first part is the stigma of, 'I can just keep going,' 'I don't need help,' 'I'm not that bad,'” said Dr. Christy Norwood, a licensed physician. Psychologist and founder of Remind U Wellness and Outreach.
The event allowed residents to meet organizations and agencies providing assistance in Hampton and Newport News. These resources include substance abuse and mental and physical health support.
“Just to bring some light to this issue and make it easier to talk about it and make sure people get the help they need,” Swan said.
The event focused on eight dimensions of health, including physical, mental, emotional and social health.
“Health is broad-based,” Swan says. “We know we can’t just talk about one thing and not mention the other.”
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Dr. Norwood said, “I think education is very important to a community, and we know that we are all better together as a community.”
The overall goal here is to remind residents that they are not alone and that this community has some resources to support them.
The expo also included conversations about the journey to mental health treatment, coping and stress management tips, as well as an exploration of how faith can positively impact mental health. .
