Hope, Support, and Mental Health Wellness for Black Women in Birmingham

The city of Birmingham recently played host to a significant event focusing on mental health wellness for black women, featuring a panel discussion comprising experts and survivors in the field.

The Second Annual Luncheon of Black Women’s Mental Health Institute

The panel discussion occurred at the second annual luncheon of the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute (BWMHI), a vital platform for black women to address and overcome mental health challenges. Dr. Nadia Richardson, a renowned mental health advocate and the founder of BWMHI, moderated the panel, which included April Simpkins, Meesha Emmett, and Tiffany Storey.

A Mother’s Story of Grief and Resilience

April Simpkins, a mental health advocate and mother of late Cheslie Kryst, a renowned model, lawyer, television personality, and Miss USA 2019, shared her tragic experience of losing her daughter to suicide. Driven by her personal experience, Simpkins fervently spoke about the importance of understanding and dealing with persistent depressive disorders, especially in high-functioning individuals.

A Message of Hope and Care

Fellow panellist Tiffany Storey, founder of Storeyhouse Counselling and Consulting, highlighted the need for high-achieving individuals to establish strong support systems. She urged listeners to stay vigilant and aware of signs of mental health strain in close ones, providing simple yet effective advice like regular check-ins and careful listening.

Pushing for Better Mental Healthcare

Meesha Emmett, a representative from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Alabama Chapter, emphasized the standardized perception of black women as individuals who are self-sufficient and always capable. Emmett framed such an outlook as dangerous, pushing for increased advocacy and help-seeking among black women. Through the recent launch of ‘Let’s Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide in the African American Community,’ her organization seeks to shift the narrative towards holistic mental health care.

Mental Health Advocacy from Within

Dr. Nadia Richardson, the panel’s moderator and a University of Alabama at Birmingham instructor, also shared her battle with a unpredictable and high-functioning form of bipolar disorder. Using her personal journey as a leadership coach and mental health advocate, she stressed the need for successful individuals to be open about their struggles and communicate their needs effectively.

Impactful Attendance

The luncheon also saw the attendance of Salaam Green, Birmingham’s first Poet Laureate and founder of Literary Healing Arts. Green, who has also experienced Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression, recalled how the session underscored the importance of self-advocacy and the possibility of removing the ‘superhero capes’ that high-achieving black women often feel compelled to wear.

Future Areas of Focus and Support

Dr. Richardson mentioned that the following year’s annual luncheon would delve further into the potential solutions for mental health challenges faced by African American women. The BWMHI, thanks to a generous grant from Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman, will provide free counseling services as an immediate form of support. Such initiatives mirror the hope, resilience and progress that epitomizes the Mental Health Wellness drive for Black Women in Birmingham.