Mental Health and Wellness in the Black Community

This month the Tatum Center welcomes author Tara Pringle Jefferson and Minority Health Coordinator Keianna Wimberly to discuss Tara’s book “Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing”.

The book seeks to answer one central question: “Who taught you to take care of yourself?” This is a stumping question for many in our community, as we are often taught to push through or simply ignore the problems within ourselves or family members. However, ignoring mental health issues can lead to problems with physical health. Stress, depression, and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms that aren’t apparent at first. Jefferson describes the struggles by saying that “Black people… are more likely to report symptoms of mental distress with fewer community resources” than other racial groups. This lack of resources to the Black community is a real roadblock to diagnosis and treatment.

Inside Lucas County, the Minority Health department seeks to counteract that lack of access and provide much needed care to the Black community. The discussion around mental health and the resources available to you in Lucas County continues May 7 at 6 p.m. at the Kent Branch Library. Registration is available online but is not required.

Check out the titles below for more on this topic and for resources on mental health and wellness.

If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 2-1-1 to speak with a live person who can help.