From Victims to Victors: A Creative Approach to Mental Health Awareness

Saint Louis In Tune

In this show we discuss mental health with representatives from StoryStitchers, a St. Louis-based nonprofit using social justice arts and youth programming to address mental health issues and gun violence. Project coordinator Emeara Burns and intern Houston Himes share insights on their mental health campaign, which includes creating public service announcements (PSAs) to destigmatize mental health care among young African Americans.

They talk about their organization’s impact through creative expression, school assemblies, and community engagement. The episode also highlights the importance of recognizing mental health triggers and seeking help, while sharing resources like the 988 crisis hotline and the City of St. Louis Behavioral Health Bureau.

[00:00] Introduction to Mental Health

[00:30] Welcome to St. Louis In Tune

[01:24] Introducing StoryStitchers

[03:23] StoryStitchers' Impact and Community Response

[04:30] Personal Journeys with StoryStitchers

[07:30] The Mental Health PSA Campaign

[09:43] Resources and Support for Mental Health

[13:31] Assemblies and Community Engagement

[26:48] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

[29:50] Closing Remarks

Takeaways:

• Mental health is essential for coping with life stresses and contributing to the community.
• Story Stitchers utilizes art and creativity to address mental health issues in youth.
• The importance of open discussions about mental health to help reduce stigma in communities.
• Engaging with young people through poetry and music fosters healing and self-expression.
• Resources and support are available for mental health crises, including the hotline 988.
• Everyone experiences mental health challenges, and it's crucial to seek help and support.

• St Louis Story Stitchers Facebook Page
• Home - Saint Louis Story Stitchers
• Perception Isn't Always Reality: Mental Health - Saint Louis Story Stitchers

Links referenced in this episode:

• stluntune.com
• storystitchers.org
• 988lifeline.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• World Health Organization
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Story Stitchers

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#mentalhealth #storystitchers #psa #victimstovictors #mentalhealthawareness #stlouismentalhealth #988lifeline