YULEE, Fla. – An event in Yulee raised awareness of resources available to address mental health issues in the community.
The event was put on by the Walter Gulley Junior Chapter 125 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Sometimes we run to the bottle, Sometimes return to drugs, which is counterproductive,” Michael Kegler, Worshipful Master Yulee Lodge Silver Square #703, said.
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But many dealing with a mental health crisis often don’t know what to do or where to go. This is why the Walter Gulley Junior Chapter 125 of the Order of the Eastern Star worked with various groups and vendors to help.
“It impacts everybody so regardless of who you are if you’re a woman, if you’re a man regardless of your race, mental health is affecting everybody and we saw a big number increase through Covid but the thing is people did not know how to deal. They didn’t know how to talk about it [--] so we want people to have the opportunity to just come to a safe place and share their concerns share what they’re dealing with and get the help so they can live in peace and have joy,” Jennien Baker Walter Gulley Jr. Chapter #125 said.
The event had about a dozen vendors in attendance, and visitors had the chance to see what resources were available to them. But for one, his work helped get him through the toughest of times.
Toraine Campbell is from Jamaica.
“Been a part of my life forever,” said Campbell.
His dad was an artist -- showing him the ways to work a brush since he was young.
“Art is a very important role and everything we do is life. Life is art,” Campbell said.
But when his dad died recently, his work took on a new meaning.
“It’s therapy I’ve been through my share of losses the best way to get me through that was through my art. I got the chance to express myself and just letting it out you would be surprised how therapeutic it is,” Campbell said.
So, when he heard about this mental health awareness event he knew it was the perfect chance to show how art can be a way to help.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s the beauty about art you’re going through. Take the time and just do what you would do express yourself the way you’re supposed to and it’s going to be natural Will definitely slowly start getting out of you’re in. It’s not perfect but at the same time you’re making one step at a time to better yourself,” Campbell said.
Organizers said they hope to bring out more people and more vendors for year two but they are glad they got the event off the floor and the word out on mental health.