Allegheny Health Network answers anonymous mental health questions asked by Pittsburgh residents

PITTSBURGH — People with mental health concerns had the opportunity to ask questions in a safe way during an event held in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Allegheny Health Network held a mental health pop-up in Market Square on Friday.

People who visited the pop-up were able to submit anonymous questions pertaining to mental health. Questions included topics about relationships, sleep, diet and stress.

The organizers wanted the event to create an honest conversation about mental health and to bring down negative stigmas surrounding the topic.

“With the pandemic, we have seen a spike in anxiety and depressive disorders,” said Doug Henry with Allegheny Health Network. “We really do need people to come forward and accept treatment.”

Organizers put keywords and different concepts on a large wall to highlight the trending responses. Some of the patterns Allegheny Health Network were:

• 41% of western Pennsylvanians said they “struggle a great deal” with their mental health.
• 38% of western Pennsylvanians feel uneasy going to a mental health professional because of what people would think.
• 50% of those who have not sought mental health treatment believe “I should work out my problems on my own.”
• And those who are untreated are less confident they can spot symptoms of mental illness.

The pop-up began at 11 a.m. and ran until 5 p.m.

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