And The Survey Says …

By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer The OBSERVER asked Black men age 18 and older to complete a community-engagement questionnaire titled, “Where’s Your Head At?” Questions gauged where Black men’s heads are on topics ranging from whether they feel free to express their emotions, to family histories of mental illness and the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced along their personal journeys to wellness. While the response was small in terms of quantity, the quality was mighty. Respondents offered open and honest answers to questions about mental health and being Black men who are trying to be well for themselves, their families and the wider community. “I realize through therapy that a lot of my challenges come from within,” said Charles Cotton, a 42-year-old musician. “I had to accept myself and deal with personal challenges in order to see a better future for myself. Therapy is continuing to help me have a positive outlook on life and relationships. I have found that through therapy that most things can be overcome if we’re honest with ourselves and others. My mental health has been more healthy because of personal boundaries being in place. I did not have these before entering therapy,”...