Mental Health the topic of Black Women Entertainment panel

Black Women Film Network and The Gathering Spot ATL partnered to host a panel titled Minding Your Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry. Melissa Ingram moderated the panel that featured Kat Graham, Shante Paige, Laura Morse, and Elissa Sanders.

Each of the ladies was able to offer a different perspective on maintaining mental health in the entertainment industry.

Sanders, a set therapist, started the conversation by saying, “The need for the discussion of mental health is there; it’s just time to embrace the support from the community.” Sanders also discussed her role on set, stating that she supports the cast and crew with any mental health needs during shooting.

Morse, a psychotherapist, discussed starting her work at the Alliance Theater at the height of the Covid pandemic. She expressed how many of the Black performers were having a hard time coming on stage to perform when Black Lives Matter was at its peak and so many people were dying from Covid. Morse said that during that time, it was important that she let the actors know to “normalize taking care of yourself no matter what.”

Paige, an executive producer, says she has learned the importance of empathizing with talent. She said, “I do not want to push wounds to get talent to act up on set” when creating a show. Graham, an actress and activist, explained, “My mental health is defined by how much I’m in my purpose.” She discussed that when she is on her purpose, nothing can shake her mental state, but when she is not, anything can throw her off. Graham also said that setting her intentions daily keeps her mental well-being in check.

The ladies closed out the discussion by giving more tips on how to enhance mental health. Mores explained the importance of setting boundaries. She said, “You know your boundaries are working when you get pushback from people.” When that pushback happens, you will know who does not need to be in your life. Paige said, “Meditation, grounding, and paying attention to triggers” are tools that she uses.

“It is important to make decisions that boost and benefit your health,” Sanders said.

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