The African American Academic Series
By: MeShonya Wren-Coleman, Ph.D.
Two words have been on a rampage for the past ten years for which everyone has been trying to become an expert and resources are provided on every elementary, middle school, high school and collegiate campus. Those two words are “mental health”. As far back as I can remember, individuals have always needed therapy but were not given the attention that is given now. You would literally have to be banging your head against a wall before someone even attempted to get you the medical attention for which you had so desperately been crying out.
Prominent black women in their professions have awakened a country because of the tragic incidents in their lives. Dr. Claudine Gay, the first black president at Harvard University, came under attack because someone decided to investigate a written document that she was accused of not citing or referencing correctly and anti-Semitism. Because of the resulting mental and emotional anguish, Dr. Gay decided to relinquish herself of her duties as president at Harvard University. But has anyone stopped or even considered how President Gay was emotionally feeling during all of these allegations? Where was her support system from her colleagues, family, friends, etc. to fight for her so that the decision to step down as the first black president of Harvard University wouldn’t have even been considered? Who asked her how she was feeling? The task of being president alone carried weight beyond measure, and then she faced antics that have been described in news articles and critic interviews as unimaginably treacherous to anyone’s mental health. Those two words again appear, “mental health”.
Now we dive even deeper into the tragic death of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. Every time I read about her death and the questionable events that led up to her deciding to take her own life should be a wake-up call to all of us in higher education, especially women and even more to black women. Over and over again, Dr. Candia-Bailey was crying out for help because of the mental abuse she faced daily in her role as Vice President of Student Affairs at Lincoln University, and in particular when she was bringing attention to the uncomfortable position she was put in as it related to the bullying of her immediate supervisor, President John Moseley. Candia-Bailey accused the university president of micromanagement, inconsistency and arrogance this month in a letter addressed to Moseley and sent to friends, family and alumni of Lincoln University. She contended that his behavior exacerbated an existing mental health issue, according to KCUR. Who asked her how we can support you to make this burden lighter? Where were those individuals who should have been there to say, “We got your back” and “You’re not in this alone”? I can picture Dr. Bonnie looking around and seeing no one. There hasn’t been any documentation that I have read regarding her personal life, but when you can’t come to your place of work where you spend over eight hours a day and sometimes weekends, and feel a sense of appreciation, belonging, and security, then that immediately becomes an imbalance in your life. This life that had value is gone, because no one bothered to just simply step up and ask, “How can I be there for you?”
Since the news about these two individuals surfaced, I have not been approached by any of my colleagues asking my viewpoint about these shattering events. Being a black female in a leadership role and working at a predominately white institution of higher education, it would seem that would be a question asked to make sure that I am okay. But sadly, I have not been asked and it’s something that definitely can’t be ignored. My role is challenging and finding balance doesn’t always come easy. Like Dr. Gay and Dr. Candia-Bailey, I sometimes find myself in a community of loneliness because no one takes the time to just ask, “Are you okay?”
There are many undiagnosed mental health cases in the world as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates close to two-thirds of mental illnesses go untreated. Today in the academic sector, we are experiencing an abnormal number of students requesting time to speak with a counselor or actively engaging with emotional support animals to assist them to cope with emotional instabilities. However, it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and understanding about mental health and erase the stigma. We can’t assume that individuals are okay because everyone is well within their rights to not be okay. Don’t be afraid to ask someone, “Are you okay?” and “What can I do to help you be okay?”
If professionals would increase knowledge across the globe about mental health and make it a priority, many would come to a place of not being ashamed or afraid of “societal scorn” when crying out for help. Those reading this article need to make a conscientious effort to be aware of mental wellness and ask the necessary questions.
Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman, Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Students at Bethel College. She is also the author of the Resume of a Man. She’s known affectionately as Dr. “MeMe” and her personal line of encouragement for all Set the Example, Be the Example. Dr. Wren-Coleman is Editor-at-Large for ReelUrbanNews.com.
