Mental health is a critical social issue that affects people of all backgrounds, but in the Black community, it has long been stifled by stigma. According to Healthline.Com, significant factors that affected healthcare experiences in Black adults with unmet mental health needs include oppression and discrimination. As we honor National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential that we recognize the unique struggles that the Black community faces regarding mental health. As we delve deeper into understanding the root causes, it is necessary to highlight solutions for dismantling the stigmas that prevent individuals from seeking help.
It is our distinct pleasure to have Army Veteran and Best Selling Author, Dr. Pamela Gurley, share her insight on mental health and the Black community.
Dr. Pamela Gurley an exemplary force in the world of writing and creativity as a whole. With her accomplishments that stretch far beyond one specific area, her talents are integral to others’ everyday lives. An acclaimed writer and literacy advocate whose work has made a major impact in the community, Dr. Gurley has dedicated her time and energy to teaching, motivating, and inspiring young minds to reach their fullest potential as readers and writers.
Dr. Gurley’s 26-year career includes working as a civil servant for 14 years for the United States Federal Government across the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, Department of State, and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Dr. Gurley’s budget, management, and leadership experience extend domestically and internationally across several continents and countries. She resigned from her federal career as a GS-15 to become a full-time entrepreneur on November 7, 2020.
A unique blend of passion for education and knowledge of the power of literacy and effective approaches has granted her success with children at all levels through her Brown Girl and Brown Boy Kid’s Red Carpet Book Tour and Literacy Festival.
Dr. Gurley is a retired United States Army Veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master’s in Health Service Administration, and a Doctorate in Management with a concentration in Organizational Development and Change.
Please tell our readers about yourself and the work you’ve been up to as of late.
Dr. Pam: First, thank you for the opportunity to be featured. In short, I am a Content Strategy Expert, International Speaker, World-Renowned Best-Selling Author, and Media Journalist who understands the power of words. As the Founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise and IAMDRPGURLEY and Founder/President of the Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation, I am on a mission to empower, grow, transform, and motivate others, as well as lead and challenge social norms and false narratives.
As of late, I have been focusing on understanding how to create a “soft-life” for myself; and implementing those strategies — i.e., delegating things to make more time to do other things. I have also been doing wedding planning (I got engaged on Christmas day last year). So, while work is a priority, I am ensuring the literacy tours and festivals are being managed with assistance.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. What does this time mean for you and how do you manage your mental health while navigating your personal and professional life?
Dr. Pam: As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the importance of time. Not just any time, but quality time. Time that is dedicated solely to my mental well-being, something that I had neglected for far too long. I knew that in order to truly prioritize myself, I needed to unbalance my life. For too long, I had been constantly juggling my personal and professional life in an effort to find some sort of equilibrium. But in the end, I found that all I was doing was sacrificing my own happiness and mental health in order to meet societal expectations. So, I made the conscious decision to put “me” first. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was necessary. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made. I may have missed out on some things in my 20s, 30s, and 40s, but now I’m making up for lost time and living my life on my own terms.
Why do you think mental health has affected the Black community, and what solutions and suggestions do you have for our community to take their mental health more seriously?
Dr. Pam: The Black community has faced a plethora of challenges when it comes to mental health. False societal expectations and racial injustices have contributed to heightened social anxiety, leaving many feelings alone and overwhelmed. Social media, while powerful, has also been a source of misinformation, making it difficult to know where to turn for help. Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles is the lingering stigma surrounding therapy. But change is possible. To combat these challenges and create positive change, it is imperative that we, as a community, take mental health seriously. Whether it means reaching out for professional help, supporting those in need, or working to shift our collective mindset around mental health, we must take action to prioritize our well-being. Only through our combined efforts can we overcome the complex and nuanced challenges that continue to impact us all.
What are your best practices with self-care routines and mental health coping skills?
Dr. Pam: Taking care of oneself used to be no small feat (mostly because I did not prioritize my own needs as much as I did work). It required time, grace, dedication, and the capacity to be attentive to my own needs. My best practices for self-care routines have been honed over the last two years, as I have learned to prioritize my own physical and emotional health. Now, it involves taking a walk, traveling, doing morning meditations, spending time with family or friends, or even just taking time to date myself. I have found that intentional self-care can help to regulate my mood and reduce the impact of stress on my mental health. Personally, I have learned to recognize the signs of burnout and make adjustments accordingly, setting boundaries and reframing negative thoughts to promote a more positive and engaging outlook on life.
Is there any exclusive news you can share with Soigne’ + Swank Magazine at this time?
Dr. Pam: I will be heading to Johannesburg, South Africa, to do a solo TEDx talk, as well as taking other children’s book authors to participate in a TEDx panel to discuss diversifying the landscape of childhood literacy.
I also have another children’s book coming out that is a bonus book in my Brown Girl and Brown Boy Series. It is called Brown Girl and Brown Boy, Africa Adventures. I have been to several countries on the continent and wanted to share my experience through the lens of my characters. Often what is depicted on television makes Africa look very desolate, and there are many countries that look a lot like New York City (big buildings, malls, markets, restaurants…). I have not announced a release date, so I will give it here first. The book will release on September 3, 2023.
I also have another book that will be released in the fall, called Brown Girl and Brown Boy, Be Unsocial. That is exclusive as well and has never been released.
What words of encouragement would you leave our readers to uplift them during our current climate?
Dr. Pam: I feel like we have to constantly navigate our current climate of uncertainty, false narratives, and political shifts, so it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, amidst the chaos, there is strength to be found, so I leave your readers with these words of encouragement: hold on to hope and trust in your own power to effect change (even when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control). Remember that every small action can make a difference, so listen to your heart, stand up for what you believe in, protect your energy, and never give up.
Follow on Instagram @iamdrpgurley or for more, visit www.iamdrpgurley.com
Lynnecia S. Eley is Founder & Managing Editor of Soigne’ + Swank Magazine. She is a career-driven entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she is an award-winning University Assistant Dean and Adjunct Professor committed to excellence, dedication, and caring for others. Known as the Confidence Doula, Lynnecia is a best-selling author and coach, a founder of Two Queens Media and Black & Ivy League, Inc. You can learn more about Lynnecia and her platforms at www.shecaninspire.com.
