And as mental health continues to be addressed, Local leaders say they recognize the dangers it can have in a community.
Our reporter Zac Kaye is live in Centre County with some tips professionals there are sharing…
The Centre County Mental Health Office says they are here to point people who need help in the right direction. The administrator of mental health services says that it’s important to ask a family member or friend how they are doing and if they need help, before it’s too late.
The Centre County Mental Health Office provides case management to those who are struggling and also work with various other providers if those people need a deeper level of care, such as going to a therapist or a doctor.
Cathy Arbogast is the Administrator of the Centre County Mental Health and says they are always willing to work with anyone who needs
“1 In 4 individuals nationally have some form of mental illness and it’s important that people know that there are resources available whether you have insurance or don’t have insurance”
She says that they understand that conversations with someone you love about their mental health are tough to have.
The assistant administrator says that as uncomfortable as it might be, it’s crucial to check in with those you care about.
“I would rather the person I care about be angry at me than be gone or I’d rather them be angry at me than someone else be harmed.”
They say that the Centre County Crisis Line is always available, and that individuals should reach out if they need someone to talk to about whatever they might be going through.
“It’s ok not to be ok, our biggest concern would be, don’t turn your head away from it, don’t ignore it or brush it under the rug.”
Both women say that they have seen more people open to talking about mental health in comparison to years ago, but they have also seen more tragedies.
Arbogast says it can be difficult to find help in this part of Pennsylvania, but that they work with surrounding counties to help make it easier.
“It’s not just how many practitioners you have in rural communities, but how do you get people to those providers, how do you help them access those services.”
They say most of the counties in the surrounding areas do offer a crisis line, and that should be where the healing journey begins.
