Mental health is seen as separate from physical health as if our brains aren't physical #NoShameDay

The quote which forms the headline for this post was by one of the panelists of the #NoShameDay, Felonious Munk.


The No Shame Day is conversation started at 9 p.m EST (2 a.m Nigerian time).

Felonious Munk (real name Dennis Banks) is an American comedian, writer, actor, & social commentator, best known as a frequent contributor on the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and for his viral YouTube series Stop It B.



Here are some of the things he said concerning the stigma surrounding our mental health.

In a warm up to the event, a question was asked by the moderator of the @blkcreatives Twitter handle. "Why do you think mental health is so under discussed in our communities?"

Felonious Munk replied in a series of tweets:

Fear of showing weakness. Many of us were raised to believe mental illness was simply "being soft".

 A lot of "you gotta get over it" diagnoses for legitimate anxiety/depression issues. People just stopped admitting it.

The conditioning, both secular and religious, informs our beliefs about mental health.

Even if your religious belief is that a supreme being heals all, MOST would call not seeing a doctor for an injury "extreme".

But mental health is seen as separate from physical health as if our brains aren't physical.

Then came number 1, "How has your creative work made room for you to take care of your mental health"?

He replied:  

It forces me to address any issues I have, daily. Comedy is best when it's honest/vulnerable. Also cathartic (cathartic means providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions) to say "this is a problem" out loud in a healthy way. Humor has helped me see different sides.

Q2: Do you think creatives are more prone to mental health challenges? Why or why not?

A2: I think specifically black creatives may feel burdened to address societal issues in their work which can take its toll. On the flip side, we often have different tools available to cope. There is some balance.

Q3: Being creative is usually associated with struggle or long suffering but how do you know when it's time to get help?

A3: So A3 is a tougher question because it involves knowing yourself well and mental health issues can rob you of that but you need a baseline. What are you like healthy? How long is a funk before it's depression? Those answers vary as much as people's personalities vary. It's about paying close attention to yourself. And it definitely helps to have someone(s) around you who know you well to catch the signs.

Q4: When it comes to being mindful of our mental health, what are some practical ways that we can learn our triggers, stressors and limits?

A4: A4 takes time and requires you to unlearn some things. Your usual response to something may not be healthy. Learning what a healthy response to situations is, is where I'd start. Learning triggers is tricky you have to see a pattern. But watching situations you're not close to and asking "how would I feel if?" helps me even that could be a problem if you're an empath. 

Q5: When dealing with lots of trauma and tragedy, how can we channel that into our work?

A5: I write my mood. Then I look for the funny in my mood. Like a painter/poet finding using their art to turn pain into beauty but I ALSO think it's ok to step away from your work when dealing with trauma if reliving it will make it worse.

Q6: If we know someone who is dealing with mental health issues, how can we help them?

A6: Helping often means knowing the safest distance. Too pushy can exacerbate. Too hands off leaves them feeling alone. Clearly state you are available to them without judgment or condescension. Learn their triggers. Check in with them regularly without making them a burden/project. Also monitor your OWN health while attempting to help. Very easy to take on too much and find yourself in need, too.