PITTSBURGH, PA – A new interactive exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center is sparking conversations about mental health, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Titled “Mental Health: Mind Matters,” the exhibit explores common mental health conditions and encourages visitors to engage in discussions about an issue that affects one in five adults in the United States.
“Even if you don’t know directly that someone is struggling with mental health, you probably know someone who is,” said Jason Brown, the Henry Buhl Jr. Director of the Carnegie Science Center. “This exhibit is designed to help facilitate those conversations.”
Exploring the Science and Personal Stories of Mental Health
The exhibit delves into seven of the most common mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. It explains the underlying science of these illnesses while sharing personal stories from individuals who have experienced them.
Arya Zevallos, 13, visited the exhibit with her family from Upper St. Clair and relatives from Atlanta. She emphasized its impact, saying, “It’s helpful for people who struggle with these things to feel seen, to feel understood, and to know they’re not alone.”
Designed for visitors aged 11 and older, the exhibit features clearly labeled sections for sensitive topics while offering interactive elements that engage younger audiences as well.
Hands-On Activities Offer Coping Strategies
One of the most popular features is the “worry shredder,” where visitors can write down their anxieties and watch them symbolically disappear. Another interactive station highlights the connection between physical activity and mental well-being, reinforcing the idea that movement can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
“That exhibit applies to the ‘move a muscle, change a thought’ mentality,” Brown explained. “When struggling with anxious thoughts, physical exercise can provide relief, and this gives kids a strategy to manage stress in their daily lives.”
A Look at the History of Mental Health Treatment
Visitors can also explore the evolution of mental health treatment, from Sigmund Freud’s theories in the 1870s to the transformation of mental hospitals over time. Many have found this historical perspective both educational and eye-opening.
Parent Amber Zevallos, who attended with her teenagers, praised the exhibit’s impact.
“I think it helps normalize discussions about mental illness and helps kids recognize when they might need to talk about their own mental health.”
Arya agreed, adding, “Seeing this exhibit makes mental illness more real. If you know someone struggling, you can better understand what they’re going through and let them know, ‘You can come to me.’”
Local Mental Health Experts on Site
To further support visitors, local mental health organizations will be present every Wednesday and Saturday to provide information and guidance.
“Mental Health: Mind Matters” is included with general admission to the Carnegie Science Center and will remain open until mid-August.
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