By Loyd McIntosh, For the Tribune
CENTER POINT — More than 100 people packed the gymnasium at the Center Point Community Center to learn about managing their mental health and well-being on Saturday, May 6.
The Inaugural Mental Health Awareness Workshop, presented by the City of Center Point, brought several licensed professional counselors and other experts to speak on a variety of topics concerning mental health in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
“Mental health is a crucial component in our community at this time,” said Center Point Place 4 Councilwoman Sharon Jones. “Sometimes this topic is swept under the rug or called something else, but mental health has always been an important topic and right now it has been on the forefront of our community.”
The event’s goal was to provide Center Point residents with knowledge and information to protect their mental well-being during life’s ups and downs, as well as to make people aware of resources in the community to reach out to for help. The event also served as a chance for the public to have an open and honest discussion about a topic that is so often stigmatized.
“Mental health is a very important topic right now and with so much happening in the country surrounding it, we wanted to bring awareness to it in Center Point,” said Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott. “This gives our residents a chance to gather some information so that they can perhaps have some resources if they need them. May is Mental Health Awareness month and we want to do our part.”
The event assembled a panel of experts speaking on a variety of topics, including overcoming the mental effects of divorce, differentiating mental health from mental illness, identifying toxic traits in relationships, work-life balance for single parents, and the mental stress of being a serial entrepreneur.
This list of speakers included Cherie Edwards, LPC-S, of Work In Progress Counseling Services; Dr. Stephanie Lett, LICSW, PIP, owner of Love Out Loud Counseling and Consulting Services; Christian relationship expert and author of the book “Infected Love,” Dr. Dion Brinson; Latrice Kennedy, owner of Touched By An Angel Learning Center; and Oddesty Langham, MS, LPC, NCC, owner of Oddesty K & Associates. Each of them addressed a specific topic, took questions from audience members, highlighted the importance of seeking professional help when going through difficult seasons of life, and underscored the difference between mental illness and your mental well-being.
“Mental health is no different from physical health,” Langham said. “When we think of physical health we think about exercise or about how well we eat.
“In the course of a lifetime, not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental well-being,” continued Langham, who went on to add that everyone will experience periods of depression or anxiety throughout their lives and that taking care of your mental health and having a solid network of support will help you navigate through life’s difficulties. “When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about your mental well-being. Our emotions, our thoughts, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, and our social connections and our understanding of the world around us.”
The event also featured vendors from around the area, a short performance by local stand-up comedian JP Laffsum, and closing remarks by Center Point Place 5 Councilwoman Ebeonee Copeland.