Local experts speak candidly about mental health with older adults at Sabathani Community Center

Older Minnesotans are not alone when they face the blues. That was the uplifting message at a recent educational event at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis.

Mental health experts Lambers Fisher and Brandon Jones joined activist Sheletta Brundidge in raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide.

Speaking before an audience of older people, they shared information about a free mental health resource. They informed the gathering about the 988 Minnesota Lifeline. It provides real-time, confidential support and hope for anyone struggling with a mental health crisis.

Prior to the event, Nila Mayes, 91, said she wasn’t familiar with newer mental health programs and resources. But the topic is close to her heart, she said,  because of the grief she has personally experienced.

“As someone who has gone through a lot in my life, including the loss of a husband, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson at a young age, thinking of them is easy, but missing them is a feeling that never goes away,” said Mayes.

“That’s the truth, especially with the loss of children.”

Many of the attendees voiced their desire for more mental health information. The trio of expert presenters—Jones, Fisher and Brundidge—received numerous appreciative comments from the older participants, who expressed gratitude for their concern about their well-being.

Brundidge said when she reached out to Sabathani Community Center’s Senior Director, she learned that many elders in the program have experienced more struggles with mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They are afraid to admit it because in the Black community, a cry for help is a sign of weakness,” said Brundidge. “I want to help change this narrative.”

Fisher, a licensed marriage and family therapist, DEI trainer and author and host of The Diversity Dude podcast on the ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com platform, stressed the importance of talking to all ages about mental health topics.

“The 988 resource and concept, and implementing it in such a widespread way, is awesome because its benefits impact everybody from the teenager wrestling with their identity to the seniors who have literally lost their entire family, friends and support system,” he said.

“There was a sense from people of who attended of ‘I’m doing alright but I know somebody who might not be,’’ he said. “it was great to hear them say they wanted to pass along the 988 Minnesota Lifeline and other information we shared that day to people in their lives who really need it.”

Fisher conceded that a resource like 988 doesn’t replace an individual’s support system but it can help if there are gaps in that system. He noted that mental health professionals are trained to react to each person’s experiences as unique.

“We empathize, we get it, we understand,” he said. “Sometimes the people who you go to get support from are the very relationships you are struggling with, and you need someone to help you work through those relationships, which is why the 988 Minnesota Lifeline is so beneficial.”

Anyone in need of urgent mental health support can call, text or chat to 988lifeline.org for free anonymous support, resources and hope.