Mississippi County recently hosted an event to address the growing mental and behavioral health challenges facing its residents. The event featured a panel of behavioral health experts, advocates, and healthcare providers dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and resources within the community.
With mental health statistics reveal that a majority of Americans are struggling. The event provided an important platform for discussion on topics including depression, anxiety, and access to affordable mental health care.
Panelists emphasized that factors like genetics, trauma, and chronic illness can all contribute to mental health issues, underscoring the importance of early detection and community support. Speakers shared personal stories to illustrate the impact of mental health on individuals and families.
Nina Watson of Healing In The Hood recounted her experiences with her son’s anxiety, noting that establishing a routine and open communication had helped him to cope better. Tameka Granberry, a behavioral health therapist for East Arkansas Family Health Center, Inc., shared her journey with her daughter’s social anxiety disorder, explaining how small steps—like encouraging her to interact with others in a work environment—had been transformative.
Addressing challenges early, especially with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was deemed essential for providing the appropriate support and intervention. Experts pointed out that while medication can be helpful for managing ADHD symptoms, it should be accompanied by structured routines and support at home. They also cautioned that family dynamics and a lack of structure could exacerbate ADHD symptoms, making it vital to address these factors holistically.
The event shed light on the link between traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence and neglect, and mental health disorders. Experts pointed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as significant risk factors that can impact children’s mental health well into adulthood.
Kelley Lammers, a behavioral health therapist at Delta Behavioral Health, explained, “Trauma is in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds traumatic may not affect another in the same way, and this holds true for children as well as adults. When trauma goes unaddressed, it can manifest both physically and mentally, ultimately impacting a child’s overall well-being.”
Poverty was also highlighted as a persistent issue, with discussions on how it not only contributes to mental health struggles but can also make it difficult for families to access the resources they need.
To conclude, panelists emphasized the need for comprehensive community support to break cycles of poverty and mental health struggles. This is why community leaders in Mississippi County are working to establish a 100 Families Initiative in their area. This initiative uses existing community resources and a collaborative software to streamline communication and maximize the collective impact of leaders in a community. Through this strategy, families are moved from crisis to stability. 100 Families Initiatives have already seen measurable success across Arkansas and is quickly expanding in other states and even in Canada.
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