Pittsburgh - NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is partnering with WellBeings, a national initiative, and WQED Multimedia on a live panel discussion, Healthy Connections: Teens, Parents, Educators, and Mental Health. The conversation will focus on how parents and teenagers can find common ground when it comes to understanding and talking about mental health. The discussion will also cover how educators can play a role in closing the conversation gap. 

“There can sometimes be a disconnect when teens want to talk to their parents about what they are feeling or experiencing,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “Parents don’t always respond in a way that makes their kids feel comfortable.”

The pandemic has added a new dimension to the problem with many young people feeling isolated from their friends who may be the only ones they feel comfortable talking to.

“Physical distancing, virtual schooling, and other changes to teenagers’ schedules have disrupted their routine and many of them are having a hard time coping,” said Michaels.  “They’re at home with their parents, so we felt this discussion comes at a critical time so parents and teens can get on the same page.”

The discussion will also explore specific tools that will help parents and teens find common ground in recognizing warning signs, how to respond, and where to turn for help. The panel includes NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Education Director Susan Caban, NAMI Bucks County PA Director of Outreach and Development Nicholas Emeigh, mental health advocate Elle Snyder, and LemLem Gamble, a student at Washington and Jefferson College. Producer Beth Dolinar will moderate the conversation.

The Well Beings Tour is a series of community-based outreach events hosted by local public media stations across the country to demystify and normalize mental health matters, address discrimination and stigma, and encourage compassion.  NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania worked with WQED Multimedia to bring the national initiative to Pittsburgh.

The panel discussion with Q&A will be live-streamed on Wednesday, March 10 at 5 p.m. Participants can watch by following this link: wellbeings.org/wqed.