WILKES-BARRE — The Strong Minds, Bright Futures Community Dialogue on Youth Mental Health was held at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center on Wednesday evening. There, young people shared stories of their mental health struggles, and about the difficulties they have had navigating the mental health system.
“Families in Luzerne County often face obstacles that delay or prevent children from getting the support they need. These dialogues allow us to lift up those stories and ensure families and youth are at the center of solutions and policy,” said Bobbi Jean Bair, peer support director for Families United Network.
The event was organized by Children First, a group that has toured around Pennsylvania to advocate for children throughout the state. The adults in the room were clear that the road to finding inner peace can be a challenge, but that help is available.
“We all have stories about how we have survived this life, and I think part of the small discussion is a part of that — so taking the bravery that we’ve just witnessed and being brave ourselves, and sharing what we have experienced and what we think will be helpful,” said Barbara Ann Dunn, associate director of clinical strategy and partnerships at Children First.
Youth speakers shared their stories, and those in the audience broke into smaller groups to discuss their own mental health experiences.
Among the topics brought up by the youth speakers during the event included feeling belittled by mental health professionals, and being stuck on wait lists before finally receiving treatment.
These issues could not be solved on Wednesday night alone, said Dunn, but the dialogue amongst the event’s attendees was nothing short of productive.
“This is a time of respectful dialogue. It’s not a time to solve the worlds’ solutions,” Dunn said. “It’s a time when we can just lay it out there and hear what everyone has to say.”