Guest Contributor: Angela N. Frazier, MPH
Founder of Sisters in Public Health
Author of "A Kids Book about Suicide"
What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?
Black Mental Wellness is all about breaking down so many of the barriers that the black community faces in order to achieve optimal health. Many of us have been raised up under similar house rules such as "what happens in this house, stays in this house." This alone is a statement that hinders our community from seeking additional help and resources such as counselors/therapists.
How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?
Most recently I promote change within the community by becoming the Author of A Kids Book About Suicide. My goal was to help adults start the conversation about suicide. Kids already know what it is but often times we are nervous to have the conversations. This book is a great way to start that dialogue. It also encourages the kid that may have lost someone to suicide or the kid that struggles with suicidal ideation informing them that they have purpose in this big world.
What are some upcoming events you are leading, that promote mental health and wellness, that you would like for our Black Mental Wellness audience to know about?
I mainly want your audience to know about the book. I plan to have an author Q & A soon and that will be shared on my page @AngelaNicole_F as well as my website www.AngelaNicoleFrazier.com
Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?
Masters of Public Health in Community Health Practice. My Bachelors is in Health Sciences and Communication.
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise (yoga instructor, clergy, mental health professional, etc.)?
My social media platform focuses on weekly posts for Mental Health Monday, Thankful Thursdays, and Mental Health Tips.
How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?
Inform them that they are not alone.
What are your recommendations for ending stigma in the Black community?
My biggest recommendation is to be open about it. We can't fix what we don't know or talk about.
Do you have an experience with seeking mental health treatment that you would like to share with the Black Mental Wellness audience?
I have had the opportunity to do 1:1 counseling and group sessions. I highly recommend that people try out both styles to see what works best for them. There are times I really enjoyed having a therapists to myself and there were other times I enjoyed listening to others talk around me and knowing that I had similar thoughts and feelings. It is a big reminder that we are not alone.
How do you make time for your own wellness and self-care?
I journal daily, pray, and travel. These are my top areas of focus for my self-care.
What are your top 5 favorite wellness and self-care strategies?
1. Exercise 2. Prayer 3. Taking a break 4. Meditation 5. Yoga
What resources do you find most helpful to encourage mental health and wellness?
A great support system.
Guest Contributor
Angela N. Frazier, MPH is the Founder of Sisters in Public Health and author of A Kids Book About™ Suicide. Angela received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Communication from Portland State University. She also holds a Masters of Public Health in Community Health from UTHealth School of Public Health. She was honored to represent her graduating class as the 2018 Student Commencement Speaker. Since the loss of her mother to suicide in 2016 she has dedicated her time and efforts to sharing her story by bringing tough topics to the forefront of conversation. This began with the opening of a shelter for survivors of domestic violence in honor of her mother. The Tami Best Emergency Shelter was created for survivors of domestic violence fleeing abusive situations. In 2017, Angela founded a nonprofit, Sisters in Public Health to connect all women in public health.
