May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, promote wellness, and fight the stigma associated with mental illness in the black community. Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, or coworkers. Despite the reach and prevalence of mental illness, misunderstanding can be widespread and prevent many from seeking the treatment needed to lead healthy lives. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges that can impact their mental acuity.

The education and empowerment of youth is the primary purpose of the AAYLC. The well-being of students during these changing times has been the driving force behind everything we do. This month is our opportunity to examine the challenges we face and to provide information that supports our community.

Sincerely,

Shantelle Bridges

Executive Director

I personally was diagnosed with both anxiety and depression when I was in middle school. I was constantly tired, and I struggled to feel connected to my peers. Many thought that having depression meant that I was sad, but I was actually numb. The mixture of depression and anxiety left me exhausted and terrified. I didn’t have the energy to make friends, even though I was lonely. I had the crippling fear of failure, but none of the energy to get things done. No matter what, it wasn’t enough. Consequently, as my grades slipped, a vicious cycle was created that had me feeling as if I were a failure. This led to the lack of motivation to try. It wasn’t until I started seeing a mental health specialist that I began to learn how to combat depression through learning coping skills, reaching out, and talking to people I trusted.  I finally learned that many people suffer with depression. I was not alone. This support system helped me to look for ways to better understand mental health, and to support children who struggled the same way I did.

Sincerely,

Alice Miles

Board Director