PINE BLUFF (KATV) — Mental health awareness was a major topic in Pine Bluff today.
The D’Andre Seal Suicide Prevention Outreach Project held events with medical professionals and provided resources to inform the community about a variety of mental health resources.
Among those in attendance, Pine Bluff psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Broughton said it’s important to provide the community with access to and knowledge of mental health resources because many people don’t know where to start. said.
“Please provide information about who helps others.”
Dr. Broughton says that because of the stigma surrounding mental health, many people tend to feel embarrassed about the fact that they need help in the first place.
“Several tragedies have occurred recently, most importantly one of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department deputies who committed suicide less than two months ago.”
Dr. Broughton says it’s surprising how many people don’t know where to start or don’t have easy access to mental health resources.
He says it’s events like this that bring communities together, bring together people who care about each other and who care about us.
“Sometimes we get so wrapped up in taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves.”
Dr. Broughton was joined at the event by Roll Andrews, executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation.
Together, they want to be able to provide the community with the mental health resources they need.
