In a R.A.P. session (Research Accelerates Possibilities) titled 'The Difficult Conversation: Mental Health,' the campus community cleared their brains of myths covering up truths about mental health in the African American community. Coahoma Community College has collaborated with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Institutes of Health, the All of Us Research Program, and the National Council of Negro Women to propel a national health initiative. The efforts of the Research Matters initiative are geared at closing the health disparity gap.
CCC student Zachary Newson, the ambassador for the collaborative effort, has been leading Zoom presentations utilizing research to promote healthy living.
Newson, a member of the Student Government Association, began the lecture by defining the topic. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, he stated. He also gave statistical information regarding mental illness.
One out of four individuals are mentally ill, but only 32 percent get help.
He debunked myths such as the false belief that anxieties are not very common. Seeking to make conversations about mental health an easy and comfortable task, he informed listeners that anxiety is a normal reaction.
Examples of mental illness are anxiety disorder, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, depression, and schizophrenia.
"Mental health stigmas keep a lot of people from seeking help for issues such as depression," said Newson.
"When you were younger and feeling sad, a family member or friend may have told you talking about your feelings make you soft. That simply isn't true," he explained.
Newson discussed triggers for mental health challenges, offered advice for befriending someone with depression, and gave self-care tips. He closed the talk by encouraging audience members to take care of their physical and mental health.
Another health-related chat is scheduled for April.
For more information, contact Dr. Melvin "Tony" Newson, Special Populations Coordinator, at (662) 621-4202 or tnewson@coahomacc.edu.