U.S. Rep. Val Demings to host 'A Conversation on Mental Health'

U.S. Rep. Val Demings tonight will host a free conversation with experts on mental health who will share information regarding the local services and resources available to help residents in Central Florida.

According to a recent AdventHealth survey, more people are taking up activities to improve their mental health such as exercise, meditation and mindfulness, compared to before the pandemic, signaling how 2020 and 2021 have begun to overhaul attitudes about mental health. 

“The pandemic has opened up opportunities to discuss mental health for adults as well as parents’ concerns about children,” Michael Westerveld, a neuropsychologist at AdventHealth, said. “Efforts to deal with increased stress has led to people seeking more and varied ways to cope.”

According to the survey, 21% of respondents said they lied about or avoided conversations related to depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts with health care providers, second only to the percentage of people, 23%, who said they fibbed or ducked questions about drug and alcohol use.

Joining the call will be Dr. Philip O. Toal, Ed. D, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Aspire Health Partners, Mr. Eric Welch, Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Health, Mr. Ray Larsen from the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Heart of Florida United Way, and more. 

The discussion will begin at 6:05 p.m. Please dial in at 855-962-1334.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, remember that the Suicide Prevention Hotline is open, free and confidential 24 hours a day, every day, at (800) 273-8255.