CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – After a recent incident involving a Guardians fan that got kicked out of a game for ‘heckling’ Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran— many on both teams have come forward to express their disappointment.
One of these includes former State Representative and Psychologist Dr. Gail Pavliga.
“I think that people should appreciate him, rather than try to make him feel badly about what he’s done,” Pavliga said.
Duran came forward during the start of the season about his battles with mental health, including sharing intimate details about his suicide attempt.
Something, that the Guardian fan had brought up during the confrontation.
“We seem to be okay with people seeking help for physical health, but what happens when it comes to mental health?” Pavliga said. “There still seems to be a stigma behind it.”
During her time in the Statehouse, Pavliga says she helped bring forward the ’988’ program to Ohio, as well as all states in the country.
The program is a call/text based service that allows anyone that feels they are having a mental health crisis— to receive help directly from a mental health specialist.
“Sometimes we don’t even feel comfortable due to the stigma of reaching out, even to a counselor or a family member,” Pavliga said. “But if you can just call and know that someone is going to answer on the other end [many] times that is a step to be able to get them either number 1 resolve the conflict there or be able to get that person to the next stage of help.”
If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health services, you can call or text 988.
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