‘Just Heal, Bro’ event addresses mental health among Black men

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A local organization is addressing mental health among Black men. The Tampa Guide Right Foundation is bringing the ‘Just Heal, Bro’ tour to the University of South Florida on Saturday. Dr. Oshan Gadsden is part of the panel of experts. “We haven’t really been socialized to be in touch with the complexity of who we are. We see this mirrored in high rates of anxiety, depression and staggering suicidal rates,” he said. Leaders with the initiative said suicide is the third leading cause of death in Black adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19, and African American adults are 20% more likely to experience mental health issues than the rest of the population. The weekend event will include discussions about mental health awareness, illness and resources. “Once you can identify it and then be able to have those conversations, especially with people who are like-minded it breaks down those barriers. You become more comfortable with the conversation and you can say, ‘Hey, I’m not alone in this’ and you can go get additional resources and feel like you’re not by yourself on an island,” said Kevin Jackson, a member of the Tampa Guide Right Foundation....