The Menninger family changed the way many people viewed and approached mental health issues when Drs. William, Karl and C.F. founded the Menninger Clinic in 1925 in Topeka, Kan.

William's son, Dr. Walt, remains in Topeka today, where he's enjoyed something of a renaissance, especially among younger generations.

In this exclusive conversation for WIBW's Hear me. See me. campaign, Dr. Walt talks about his family's impact, his own research into how our mind's work - and just how it is he's able to  connect so well with younger people!

Damon Parker seemed on top of the world: the high school wrestling teams he coached just won state titles, his infectious personality won over all he met. But then, a colleague of his wife's took his own life, and Damon came face to face with his own demons.

In this open and frank conversation, Damon shares his mental health struggles, what it took for him to come forward, and how he spreads the message that help is available. He also offers perspective on how he approaches young athletes.

Damon Parker is now executive director of The Jones Project.

Find mental health resources at wibw.com/HearMeSeeMe

Kenisha Morton, LMSW and Angel Patterson-Tetuan, APRN are mental health providers in Topeka, Kan. Both are Black women who advocate for overcoming barriers to accessing mental health care, whether they be systemic or cultural.

Hear me. See me. is a project of WIBW-TV designed to raise awareness of mental health and the issues surrounding it.

Part of the effort is to give voice to people to share their stories.

S.J. Hazim is a community advocate and activator, enterpreneur, musician and more. In this conversation with host Melissa Brunner, S.J. shares the more personal backstory that's led to where he is today, and how it led to his involvement with NAMI Kansas.

If you think you know S.J., take a listen - you may be surprised!

If you are in crisis or need someone to listen, call 988.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Hear me. See me. is a year-long effort by WIBW-TV to focus on issues surrounding mental health. We aim to raise awareness, amplify voices and inspire change.

In this debut episode, we share the project's launch during a special Eye on NE Kansas, bringing together representives of mental health organizations from throughout NE Kansas for an overview of the issue.