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My anxiety is high.  

Go see a Therapist!  

I’m Good 

I’m so sad. 

Go see a Therapist!  

I’m Good  

I want to be a better parent than my parents.  

Go see a Therapist!  

I’m Good  

I can’t get out of bed today.  

Go see a Therapist.  

I’m Good. 

I’m so stressed out. 

Go see a Therapist.  

I’m Good. 

I am Grieving. Can’t stop crying.  

Go see a Therapist.  

I’m Good  

I feel so isolated. 

Go see a Therapist. 

I’m Good 

I don’t want to yell and scream at my kids anymore 

Like my parents did to me 

Go see a Therapist  

I’m Good. 

 

Maybe I do need to see a therapist.  

 

Hey did you find a therapist? I did but I didn’t go through with it. I’m Good. I Got This. I Am Strong. I Have Been Through Worse Things.  

I’m not talking to someone I don’t’ know about my problems. I will talk with God, pray, it will go away.  

I’m Good.  

As the Adult Mental Health Advocate with NAMI Keystone PA, as a past Service Coordinator working with people who live with mental illness, drug and alcohol issues, and homelessness, as a sister, cousin, aunt, daughter, friend, girlfriend, stepmother, great aunt, AND a Black Woman, this is what I hear within my own family, from my friends. 

EVERYONE IS NOT GOOD! 

We, as a community, the black community, have been carrying so much weight on our shoulders that we became comfortable with it being there. 

IT IS WHAT IT IS. THAT HAPPENS HERE EVERYDAY. IT’S JUST WHAT IT IS.  

Trauma, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, PTSD have all been normalized in the Black community. Not the diagnosis, not the various treatments available, not the conversation about mental health.  

Just the Feelings.  

It’s the stigma around mental health that prevents people from seeking the help they desperately need.  

That Has To Change.  

Change Begins with Conversation!  

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About the Author:  Aleta Barnett is the Adult Mental Health Advocate for NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. Originally from Erie, Aleta started her career working at a community center with at-risk youth and adolescents.  After moving to Pittsburgh ten years ago, she worked at a women’s shelter before moving on to a service coordinator role helping people who were experiencing mental illness, drug and alcohol issues, and homelessness.  Aleta has been with NAMI Keystone PA for over a year and she enjoys talking with families, peers, and mental health professionals about the various resources available in Allegheny County and across the state. She also enjoys being able to help people through these tough times and being a listening ear.