HUMBOLDT, Tenn. – A Humboldt facility is working to end the stigma of mental illness.
The famous Soul Food in Humboldt hosted the “Mental Health and Wellness Experience” to underscore the urgency of making mental stability a priority.
“Every family struggles with mental health issues in some form or another, and we want to raise awareness so people can stop and think about how they can get help and learn about what’s going on in their lives,” says Robert Johnson, Community Step Up assistant director.
Advocates of the Community Step Up initiative are working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care and bridge the gap between citizens and police.
They hope to influence the program with insights from NFL players, therapists, psychologists and first responders.
“With this mental health certification, you can complete four years of psychology in eight hours. At the end of the course, you will receive your certification and you will be protected by law so you cannot be sued if you are a mental health first responder,” said Carol Lafayette, executive director of Community Step Up.
The owner of Famous Soul Food expresses her gratitude for being able to host the Mental Health and Wellness Experience and give back to her community.
“Famous Soul Food not only nourishes people physically, but spiritually as well. I am so grateful to have met Sister Carol. She is a great teacher and lecturer on mental illness. One of her favorite things she always says is that mental health is important,” said Mary Sample, owner of Famous Soul Food.
For entertainment, we had an actress-impersonator from Texas who performed Tina Turner hits. She told us that she had lost her mother four days before this event and wanted to support this movement no matter what life may bring.
“You know they want you to keep going. They don’t want you to stop and, you know, fall over or just give up. Just keep going for that person. For that single person, because they don’t want you to stop,” said Derose Washington, an actress impersonating actress.
Lafayette adds that this initiative helps individuals recognize when someone is having a nervous breakdown and shows them the appropriate steps to take to effectively help them.
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