TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one Tallahassee boutique is doing its part to support local mental health programs.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
This month, money from each sale of these candles is going to the Apalachee Center. <\/p>\n
\u201cApalachee Center is well known for what they do in the community for brain health and mental health,\u201d Busch-Transou said. <\/p>\n
According to the Mental Health Council of the Big Bend, Leon County residents report above-average levels of stress and anxiety across all demographics. <\/p>\n
More Tallahassee news: <\/p>\n
Busch-Transou hopes this campaign will help start important conversations. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we interact with somebody, a lot of people have somebody that they know has been challenged with these diseases and these struggles in life,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
This effort is part of the store\u2019s \u201cShine a Light\u201d program, which supports a different local non-profit each month. <\/p>\n
In May, proceeds will help keep resources at the Apalachee Center free and accessible, regardless of insurance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d Apalachee Center CEO Jay Reeve said. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople who don\u2019t know it\u2019s okay to seek help won\u2019t seek help,\u201d Reeve said. \u201cDepression feels bad. Anxiety feels bad. If severe, it can really impact their ability to live in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Apalachee Center offers many services for adults and children, including a free mobile response team for immediate support.<\/p>\n
Hearth and Soul is hosting a community event to celebrate the Apalachee Center\u2019s work on Thursday, May 7. The event is at 1410 Market Street from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
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