Let's Talk About It: Mental Health Shattering the Stigma

Featuring: Gary "Trey" Taylor, MSW

Mental Health Advocate/Owner of Uphold 31:8

Greetings! I am excited for this third blog that I am posting. Some of you may have been expecting another blog about beard culture, some of you may not. This time I wanted to focus on something different…mental health. Mental health is a topic thatpeople shy away from. I find this to be especially true in the Black community. I can understand that it is not the easiest topic to discuss.

With the rise of social media and news outlets being so easily accessible (thank you smart phones) I noticed the topic being discussed. I realized that it is a topic I did not hear much about. It seems usually in the black community if anyone is depressed, hurting inside or mentions a mental health issue they are told “oh nothing is wrong with you” or “pray about it”. Do not get me wrong I am a man who believes in the power of prayer, however I also believe God placed people on this earth who can help with mental health issues. Just like there are doctors who are placed on this earth who help with physical health issues. I cannot say for certain why people shy away from the topic. I believe people do not want to seem “weak”. In the black community, we generally do not want to ask for help we try to keep it moving through our issues.

Several weeks ago, I attended a MUFN meet in Silver Spring, MD it was full of creatives and entrepreneurs. After five minutes of being shy and feeling awkward I decided to come out my shell and network. The first person I had a full conversation with was Trey, I was observing his business booth. One of the first thoughts I had was “that’s right a brother that got his own business, a business focused on mental health at that”. Of course, I played it cool and dapped him up and introduced myself. We talked for several minutes about his business. I told him how important it is that he has a mental health business especially as a black man. I got his business card and I kept thinking how great it is that he is in the mental health field and helping our community. I reached out to Trey shortly after and asked if he would be interested in being featured in an upcoming blog. Trey agreed and we put the plan in motion. We met up in Old Town Alexandria for a shoot, after Trey had his coffee and I found parking we got some pics and talked some more. Here is what Trey had to say about his Uphold 31:8 company and his thoughts on mental health in the Black community.

Tell me a little about your company Uphold 31: 8. What does Uphold 31:8 mean?

“Uphold 31:8, LLC is a business I started about three months ago after being asked to speak and present at multiple community events. It derives from the biblical scripture, Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.” The purpose of my company is to promote mental health awareness and education primarily, but not limited to the black community by mental health consulting. In addition it involves community initiatives/engagement and public speaking, including an initiative I created in my hometown to combat youth gang violence called Stop The Violence Movement (STVM).”

What lead you to starting your own company in mental health?

“I always wanted to start my own company. Initially I thought it was going to be a couple years later. In April, I facilitated my 3rd Annual Stop The Violence Movement in my hometown, and then had two speaking engagements after it. Once I finished the final speaking engagement where I spoke freely about violence in the community along with mental health, people were asking for business cards, and the name of my organization. I didn’t have one lol, and only had cards created for my Stop TheViolence Movement which I ran out of. STVM wasn’t an organization, just an initiative that I created. It was at that point I realized I needed a company to house all of the things I was doing. It also one of a kind organization that has a specific niche.”

What are some of the barriers you want to break down in regard to mental health in the Black community?

“I really want to break down the stigma of Mental Health in the black community. In general, “asking for help.” I want black people to take care of their Mental Health and understand the difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness. There is already a stigma attached to going to the doctor, so you can imagine acknowledging that something is wrong. The black community tends to bottle up emotions, we’re scared of mental health because we do not know enough about it, nor understandhow to properly deal with it. We tend to push through our issues, not realizing how it affects our mental health (how we deal with day to day stressors). We’re talking generational and cultural barriers that have to be changed. So I seek to break down the educational barriers, fear of getting help and accepting that we need help at times.”

Do you see mental health issues as topic being discussed more frequently in the community than before?

“It is starting to gain steam. I see the narrative changing, primarily with the millennials. It is still a foreign language for some and to older generations, however they are starting to become more receptive, that’s all that counts. If everyone is open to understanding it, then it becomes a frequent topic of discussion.”

What are some goals you have for Uphold 31:8?

“I want to partner with some other mental health non-profits. Continue making mental health infographics. Working on the Mind Over Matter class (mental health and biblical scriptures). Open up a non-profit for advocacy work, partner with local, state and federal agencies.”

Any tips on how to keep good mental health?

“Being aware of your stress levels and utilizing good self-care techniques (Stress can cause physical issues along with mental issues)

Understanding how environment and relationships play a factor into our mental health

Learning how to say “no”, understanding your mental limits

Taking mental health days, doing activities that you enjoy

Learning how to live in the moment, making the best out of the current situation.

Be selfish

Adequate sleep and eating habits

Some that come to mind, everyone’s situation is different.”

Visit Uphold 31:8 Instagram _uphold31 and facebook Uphold 31:8.

Until next time stay happy, stay blessed.

Thanks for reading,

Antoine