OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Growing up in Miami, Florida, Jasmine Julius said she dealt with depression and anxiety, but that she and others dealing with similar issues were often ostracized.
“Some people would assume…certain mental illnesses and certain diagnoses like anorexia and bulimia is only for one group of people and that Black people don’t have that problem,” Julius said.
She said that lack of support from peers led to self doubt.
“To be told as a little Black girl or just a girl of color, ‘No, you don’t have those problems. That’s not for us.’ It just makes her think…she’s doubting herself and maybe she’s just being crazy.”
Community Alliance mental health advocate Kristopher Berry told 6 News that’s not an uncommon theme within the Black community.
“If you talk about mental health, you’re weak, you’re looked down upon,” Berry said. “Most of these mental health challenges become personality traits.”
He said when that stigma continues, families break up and kids aren’t able to prosper because they lack a peaceful environment.
“When that flows over into adulthood, anything can happen—from violence to domestic abuse, alcohol and drug abuse.”
To fight the stigma, Community Alliance is hosting an event over Zoom called The Wellness Narrative from 2-3:30 p.m. Jan. 15.
The nonprofit agency will present how people can help break the taboo and where they can get resources for mental health. It will also host a conversation between attendees and Community Alliance professionals.
“Instead of gossiping about these people, they can actually have conversations with their family members, make them feel safe, and make a safer environment for their homes,” Berry said.
For her part, Julius said now being surrounding by people who understand mental health feels like a weight has been lifted.
“I feel much better,” she said. “I can go out, I have more energy.”
She encourages people to sit in on that Zoom meeting Monday.
Community Alliance said it hopes to host this event every other month, but it first wants to see if this is something the community wants it the continue to do.
Those wishing to join the Zoom meeting can click here.
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