Reno’s Discovery Museum has unveiled an interactive exhibit with the primary goal of initiating open conversations surrounding mental health challenges. Titled “Mental Health: Mind Matters,” the exhibit caters to community members of all ages and is crafted in a trilingual format—offering information in English, Spanish, and French. The comprehensive display covers various mental health conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD, while also delving into the historical aspects of mental health treatment.
Patrick Turner, the chief advancement officer, highlighted the exhibit’s diverse elements, ranging from an interactive segment helping children confront their fear of the dark to a life-size diorama portraying a family household grappling with depression. Among the innovative displays is a futuristic contraption designed to symbolically shred worries.
Turner emphasized the collaborative nature of the exhibit, encouraging visitors to engage in conversations about mental health. “If you’re in here with family and friends, there are a lot of interactives that allow you to work with a partner or with other people, and through those experiences, you can have conversations about mental health,” stated Turner.
While praising the progress made, Turner acknowledged that further destigmatization efforts are necessary. He pointed out the prevailing societal challenge of treating mental health on par with physical ailments. “As a whole in this country, we haven’t totally decided that mental health is something that needs to be treated just like any other ailment,” noted Turner. Drawing a comparison, he explained that while a broken bone prompts a clear course of action, the protocol for someone dealing with depression remains less defined.
The exhibit, running until September 8, aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to change perceptions around mental health. In addition to the interactive experience, the exhibition concludes with a comprehensive list of local and national resources for those seeking mental health support. The Discovery Museum’s initiative aligns with broader endeavors to normalize mental health discussions and ensure that individuals receive the assistance they need.
