BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — An east Buffalo barbershop has opened its doors to difficult conversations, all in the name of destigmatizing mental health and men seeking mental health.
This is a crucial topic in our community.
This was the first of four installments of “Barbershop Talk” aimed at exploring how these conversations are useful.
7 News’ Pheben Kassahun sat down with the community group and the hair salon owner who was hosting the conversation.
The event was sponsored by the Buffalo Perinatal Prenatal Network, Say Yes Buffalo, Become the Change, Styles of Man Barbershop, Razorsharp Barbershop, Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative and Breaking Barriers.
Additionally, one neighbor said the neighborhood needs all the support it can get.
Cuts and conversations.
This was the objective of the “Barbershop Talk” on Tuesday evening at Man stylesat the corner of Delavan and Courtland Avenue on Buffalo’s east side.
Hakeem Hicks, barber and owner of Styles of Man, said: “A pillar in the community where people can come as a safe haven. They have a place to go besides getting a haircut. We can be a mentor to them, we can be an advisor to them, a place where they can share their feelings. »
Hair salon owner Hakeem Hicks hopes this open discussion can help break down barriers to discussing mental health in the Black and Brown community.
Hicks said: “Put the word out to let young men and older men know that there is a safe space. You can find different people that you can confide in and talk about how you’re feeling without keeping it to yourself. YOU.”
“Many need help and support. Many don’t even know they need it, so we are here to try to help them,” said Dana White, a Buffalo resident.
A safe space for guys to discuss topics related to mental health.
Antoine Johnson, program manager of the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative, said: “Suicide, depression, anxiety, how it affects us as men, especially those of us who have families and children, and it can be very taxing to be a provider and show up emotionally to our families. “.
According to CDCIn the United States, more men committed suicide than women in 2021. Data showed approximately 38,358 suicide deaths among men and approximately 9,825 among women.
Johnson added: “Part of what we do is destigmatize men who are seeking mental health support and get them the support they need. »
The discussion is timely as we head into the winter months that are often linked to seasonal depression.
Johnson said: “Men don’t really talk a lot about things related to depression. Some of the work we do, the underlying work, is changing the narrative around how men relate and connect with other men. to talk about the problems they are going through. Next, being able or more comfortable seeking mental health-related support.
Anyone who missed the event can attend the next one Tuesday, November 28 at Styles of Man Barbershop from 4-5 p.m. The last two will take place on December 5 and 12 at the Razor Sharp Barbershop on Hertel Avenue from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 5 p.m.
