MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A chance to get connected and learn about mental health; specifically the challenges faced by people of color.

That was the goal of a mental wellness fair at downtown Montgomery’s Meals on Wheels facility hosted by Avondale & Associates Psychological Services and local non-profit I Am Purposed.

Speakers like Montgomery County Probate Judge JC Love sharing their experience.

“Don’t sit in the shadows, and for your friends and family who may be out there with you, if someone tells you they’re going to hurt themselves, believe them,” Love said.

Much of the conversation revolved around ending the stigma of speaking up about mental health by getting people to talk about it in a public space.

“Many times, in our community it’s been told that to seek help it’s a sign of weakness,” Love added.

“The more people know what’s out there the more they see that you have non-profits such as ours that support them. I think the more they feel like this is a space for them,” said organizer Dr. Amanda Yarbrough, a licensed psychologist.

Around a dozen booths offered resources that specialize in a number of areas, from therapy to veterans.

Dr. Robin Gethers is a motivational speaker and counselor turned author, writing a book about how she persevered through domestic violence and other traumas.

“It’s very important that I share the story of being resilient and to let that man, woman know that if I can get through a lot of the trauma as well as domestic violence, so can they,” Gethers said.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.

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