The silent suffering of African American men dealing with mental illness has become increasingly apparent, leading to the creation of a foundation in Jackson. Mareko Brown, a 35-year-old man from Jackson, founded MenTalk Growth after losing his brother Marcus Gray to mental illness in 2020. Gray, who was 43 at the time, struggled with depression, isolation, and substance abuse before succumbing to heart failure.
MenTalk Growth works in partnership with the Department of Mental Health to host seminars, workshops and provide resources for Black men dealing with mental health challenges. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Bryman Williams emphasizes the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Many African American men avoid seeking help due to a desire to handle problems independently and a fear of lacking support systems. Dr. Williams reassures men that it is okay to seek professional help for mental health concerns and that there is no shame in doing so.
Dr. Williams stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues early as untreated conditions can worsen and potentially lead to severe consequences even death. MenTalk is gearing up for its second annual gala with the theme “Speak Up When You’re Down,” scheduled for April 6th at The Venue By Roseburgh in Jackson. The event aims to raise awareness about Black men’s mental health and the importance of seeking support
