RICHMOND, Va. – A college student pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology.organized a mental health awareness event Saturday in Richmond.
The Leading Mental Health event on the Northside featured music, food and fun along with mental health resources and counseling services offered by local organizations.
Organizer Amber Cook-Sims said she has been planning the event for four months in order to spotlight the pandemic’s toll on mental health.
“I really couldn't do anything because of the pandemic. And a lot of people lost so many jobs, they lost their sanity, they lost all hope and humanity because of the pandemic,” Cook-Sims said. “So I was thinking about having awareness for people to actually get help for being depressed, anxiety, stress, bills, rent – and everything else that comes with mental health.”
Cook-Sims has a powerful message for those grappling with mental health challenges.
“Don't be afraid to speak out. I understand. You don't want nobody in your business. But it's OK… I didn't want nobody in my business either,” Cook-Sims said. “But guess what, we're here to help you be your support, be your guy. I'm not here to judge you. Because who am I to judge? I'm dealing with issues, too. So I understand your pain. I understand your fear.”
Cook-Sims also said listening or giving someone a shoulder to cry on is helpful.
“I really understand mental health, because I dealt with it myself – and I'm still dealing with it,” Cook-Sims explained. “So this event means a lot to me to get the word out to the community to say, hey, we're here to help you, we are here to heal together… If I can do it, anybody else can do it. So I'm the voice for the voiceless. I want your story to be heard and be told, and I'm here to get you the help that you need.”
Cook-Sims said she is already planning next year’s event, which she hopes will be bigger and reach more parts of the city.
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