Barbershop Mental Health Convo | Thinking Out Loud w/Samuel David | Ep 26

Barbershop Mental Health Convo | Thinking Out Loud W/ Samuel David | Ep. 26

On this episode of Thinking Out Loud with Samuel David, our host is joined by Sam Breeden of RO2SE(Reach Out to Someone Else), Gabrielle Jones LMFT with Healing Harmony Therapy, Angie Watson COO of Mental Health America, Chris Jones LSCSW with Fully Connected Counseling, D Wall with Midwest Blends, and Chris Gilmore Preventions Director with Mental Health America. Major shout out to Midwest Blends in Wichita, KS.

This conversation delves deep into mental health, generational trauma, and the unique, supportive environment found in Black barbershops. Samuel, joined by a diverse panel of mental health advocates and professionals, explores how these community hubs foster honest, transparent dialogue that is often rare in other spaces.

Throughout the episode, the group dives into the importance of diversity and inclusion in mental health discussions, especially within the Black community. They also reflect on the transformative impact that open conversations about mental health can have, not just in personal lives but also in breaking down larger societal stigmas.

Join this enlightening conversation and see why the barbershop is more than just a place for a haircut—it's a space for healing, connection, and growth.

To contact the mental health experts and providers from this episode, visit the links below.
MHA (Mental Health America): https://www.mhasck.org/
RO2SE: https://ro2se.org/
Fully Connected Counseling: https://www.fullyconnectedcounseling....
Healing and Harmony Therapy: https://healingandharmonytherapy.com/

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Introducing the Panel
04:18 - Importance of the Conversation
06:24 - Defining Masculinity
14:36 - Unlearning Past Beliefs
19:20 - Systemic Issues and African American Families
22:35 - Mass Incarceration and "Super Predator" Narrative
24:50 - Cultural Barriers to Therapy for Black Men
26:10 - Impact of Race on Identity
29:26 - Unlearning Bias
33:41 - Feeling Excluded from Groups
34:26 - Experience of White Men in America
42:14 - Experience of Black Women in America
44:45 - The Pressure to Conform
49:40 - Challenges in Following Personal Advice
53:17 - Evaluating Therapist Effectiveness
56:00 - Overcoming Initial Doubts
01:01:37 - Therapy Statistics Overview
01:04:45 - Contacting RO2SC
01:05:54 - Contacting Chris
01:06:35 - Contacting MHA
01:06:56 - Contacting Fully Connected
01:09:35 - Breaking Generational Curses
01:12:17 - Authentic Conversations
01:14:27 - Outro