By Loyd McIntosh, for the Tribune
CENTER POINT — More than 100 people filled the Center Point Community Center gymnasium to learn more about managing their mental health and well-being on Saturday, May 6.
Dr Cherie Edwards speaking at the podium. (Photo by Loyd McIntosh)
The inaugural Mental Health Awareness Workshop, presented by the City of Center Point, brought together several licensed professional counselors and other experts to speak on various mental health topics in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in may.
“Mental health is a crucial part of our community right now,” said Center Point Place 4 City Councilor Sharon Jones. “Sometimes this topic gets swept under the rug or called something else, but mental health has always been an important topic and it is currently at the forefront of our community.
The goal of the event 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 raise awareness of community resources they can turn to. ask for help. The event was also an opportunity 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 going on in the country around it, we wanted to bring awareness to it in Center Point,” said Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott. “This gives our residents an opportunity to gather information so that they may have resources available if they need them.” May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we want to do our part.
The event featured 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 Personal for Single Parents and the Mental Stress of Being a Serial Entrepreneur.
Oddesty Langham (Photo by Loyd McIntosh)
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 relationships 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, answered questions from audience members, highlighted the importance of seeking professional help when going through difficult times in life, and highlighted the difference between mental illness and mental well-being.
“Mental health is no different than physical health,” Langham said. “When we think of physical health, we think of exercise or the quality of our diet.
“Over the course of their lives, not everyone will experience a mental illness, but everyone will have difficulties or challenges with their mental well-being,” continued Langham, who added that everyone will experience periods of depression or anxiety. throughout their lives and that taking care of your mental health and having a strong support network will help you get through life’s challenges. “When we talk about mental health, we talk about your mental well-being. Our emotions, our thoughts, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, as well as our social connections and our understanding of the world around us.
The event also featured vendors from across the region, a short performance by local comedian JP Laffsum and closing remarks from Center Point Place 5 City Councilor Ebeonee Copeland.
