Community Conversation Addressing Mental Wellness held in Inkster

Living through the Covid 19 Pandemic has shed a light on many issues that affect peoples' well being. Several groups came together to host a Town Hall that allowed participants to have a conversation about how stress, the pandemic and self-medication has affected their mental wellness. This was a time for the panelist to share their life lessons with the participants, thus opening a line of true dialogue.

The discussion started with the fact that many detrimental issues are on the rise in our community; issues such as self-medication, drug overdoses, suicides, violence in the home and unemployment. It was also agreed upon that family members not having closure with the loss of a loved one due to COVID has had a large impact on a persons mental health. Families were unable to come together to grieve and that has left people with feelings of depression.

Isolation was another issue that was prevalent in the conversation. Families and the community experienced so much pain, but they didn't have an outlet to address the new anxiety that they were going through. People have been isolated since early 2020.

But there is hope. Town Halls like this one opened lines of communication within the community. The panelists were there to share information, put the attendees at ease and give people an opportunity to just release their feelings and concerns.

Velma Jean Overman from Operation Refuge, Darwin Griffin and Carl Baxter from CLAD were intentional about who they selected as panelist for the Town Hall. They said, "Each person brought their individual expertise to the conversation." The Mother and Daughter are living with the trauma of Mental Health every day. The daughter was diagnosed and in treatment. The COVID pandemic increased her symptoms. They openly shared their struggle. Overman stated, "They represented so many families that are dealing with children that are diagnosed and living with additional trauma." The other panelist openly discussed resources that are available from their organization or from their place of experience. The panelist were Je Donna Dinges CEO Margaux & Max, her daughter InDia Dinges, CEO Detroit Hippie Chick, Stephanie Stasiak, Behavioral Health Director Western Wayne Family Health Center, Patricia Gray .ED Adrian MI and Chief William Riley from Inkster Police Department.

The final resolution was if you or a family member is experiencing anxiety or you notice a behavioral difference, please reach out for help. There were many resources and coping mechanisms discussed. The recording of the Town Hall can be found at https://www.facebook.com/carl.baxter.7/videos/244800927705171/.