TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one Tallahassee boutique is doing its part to support local mental health programs.
The founder of Hearth and Soul, Susie Busch-Transou, is using candles to raise awareness and money for mental health resources in the Big Bend.
This month, money from each sale of these candles is going to the Apalachee Center.
“Apalachee Center is well known for what they do in the community for brain health and mental health,” Busch-Transou said.
According to the Mental Health Council of the Big Bend, Leon County residents report above-average levels of stress and anxiety across all demographics.
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Busch-Transou hopes this campaign will help start important conversations.
“When we interact with somebody, a lot of people have somebody that they know has been challenged with these diseases and these struggles in life,” she said.
This effort is part of the store’s “Shine a Light” program, which supports a different local non-profit each month.
In May, proceeds will help keep resources at the Apalachee Center free and accessible, regardless of insurance.
“It’s really important for us to have some alternate sources of support so we can keep serving folks in great numbers without any kind of focus on whether they can pay or not,” Apalachee Center CEO Jay Reeve said.
Reeve said stigma remains a major barrier, but a conversation can be the first step to getting help. He said hiding mental health struggles can make things worse.
“People who don’t know it’s okay to seek help won’t seek help,” Reeve said. “Depression feels bad. Anxiety feels bad. If severe, it can really impact their ability to live in the community.”
The Apalachee Center offers many services for adults and children, including a free mobile response team for immediate support.
Hearth and Soul is hosting a community event to celebrate the Apalachee Center’s work on Thursday, May 7. The event is at 1410 Market Street from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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