What is Mental Wellness?
Mental health is becoming less of a taboo as more individuals are openly talking about their everyday mental health struggles. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2020, one in five American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year.
There are many aspects to mental health, including mental wellness. According to the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), mental wellness is a positive state of mental health. SAMH goes on to state that individuals who have mental wellness “are positive, self-assured and happy. They are in control of their thoughts, emotions, and behavior.”
People who have mental wellness can navigate through challenges and enjoy life.
Although mental wellness is something each individual deserves, it is not easily attained by the masses. Two Black entrepreneurs are creating spaces for communities to attain mental wellness in their hometowns.
The GRPCHT
Located in Milwaukee, The GRPCHT is a bi-monthly, small-group, in-person discussion focused on mental health and growth for individuals in the Black community. Started by Milwaukee native Lakeisha Allen, The GRPCHT held its first session in June 2024.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Allen has always been interested in community and connecting. The GRPCHT began with Allen wanting to publish a journal to share conversations and questions that strengthened her spirituality. Instead, she launched a YouTube channel but sought to offer something tangible in an increasingly digital world.
“One thing I learned about society at large is that we’re yearning for community spaces,” said Allen. “…it’s showing me how necessary community is.”
The GRPCHT is a safe space for young Black individuals to speak about things that are typically discussed in private.
Past The GRPCHT Session Topics
- Breaking generational curses
- Everyday habits and checking to see if they are healthy
- Stages of healing
- Connecting to your inner child
- The power of gratitude
The GRPCHT’s free two-hour sessions were held at several cafés around the city. Now, each session will be hosted at West Care in Milwaukee.
Allen said on a grand scale, she hopes to host wellness retreats and conferences in Black spaces for Black individuals.
“I care about seeing better for my people,” said Allen.
Motivating the Masses with Positivity
At just 19 years old, Marquis Hill is being paid to travel the country as a motivational speaker. Hill recently graduated from high school in Atlanta, and he’s all about having a “healthy mind”. Hill does daily readings and journals to stay on track with his mental wellness.
In middle school, Hill and his father would read “The Maxwell Daily Reader” which turned each day into a lesson for Hill. Those moments sparked Hill’s daily motivational reads.
Hill had trouble expressing himself growing up, so journaling became one of his outlets.
“Journaling was definitely something that allowed me to express myself when I didn’t know how to,” said Hill.
He didn’t want to burden people with his problems, but now he understands that it’s okay to lean on those around you. Hill is using his journey to help motivate others, especially youth.
“No matter who you are, you have a gif,t and you have to gift it to the world,” said Hill.
Hill became a full-time motivational speaker after high school, but he didn’t plan on it going this far. He thought making motivational videos on Instagram and Twitter would be it for him. He admits that he wasn’t comfortable talking in front of large crowds. In his first few motivational speeches, he was unprepared, but he didn’t give up. Hill eventually realized his positive outlook on life was needed so he began giving his all to motivational speaking.
Along with motivational speaking, Hill owns the clothing brand Love Yaself, which encourages individuals to love themselves more.
“Understand that everything that you want to be, that you want to do, you already are,” said Hill. “You don’t have to look outside yourself to find it…it doesn’t matter what your past looks like. It’s about today.”
