YULEE, Florida. – An event in Yulee raised awareness about the resources available to address mental health Problems in the community.
The event was organized by the Walter Gulley Junior Chapter 125 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Sometimes we turn to the bottle, sometimes we turn to drugs, which is counterproductive,” said Michael Kegler, Worshipful Master of Yulee Lodge Silver Square #703.
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But many people facing a mental health crisis often don’t know what to do or where to go. That’s why Walter Gulley Junior Chapter 125 of the Order of the Eastern Star worked with several groups and providers to help.
“It affects everyone, regardless of who you are, whether you are a woman or a man, regardless of your race, mental health is affecting everyone and we saw a huge increase in numbers because of COVID, but the problem is that people didn’t know how to deal with it. They didn’t know how to talk about it. [–] “We want people to have the opportunity to come to a safe place and share their concerns, share what they’re going through and get help so they can live in peace and have joy,” said Jennien Baker Walter Gulley Jr. Chapter #125.
The event was attended by about a dozen vendors and visitors had the opportunity to see what resources were available to them. But for one of them, their work helped him get through the toughest times.
Toraine Campbell is from Jamaica.
“It’s been a part of my life forever,” Campbell said.
His father was an artist and taught him how to use a paintbrush from a young age.
“Art is a very important role and everything we do is life. Life is art,” Campbell said.
But when his father died recently, his work took on new meaning.
“It’s therapy. I’ve been through a lot of loss and the best way to get through it was through art. I had the opportunity to express myself and let myself out. You’d be surprised how therapeutic it is,” Campbell said.
So when she heard about this mental health awareness event, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to show how art can be a way to help.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s the beauty of the art that you’re going through. Take the time and just do what you would do, expressing yourself how you’re supposed to and it will be natural. You’ll definitely start to slowly get out of where you are. It’s not perfect, but at the same time you’re taking one step at a time to get better,” Campbell said.
Organizers said they hope to attract more people and more vendors for the second year, but are glad to have been able to make the event happen and spread information about mental health.
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