According to the CDC, Communities have faced mental health challenges related to COVID-19–associated morbidity, mortality, and mitigation activities. During June 24–30, 2020, U.S. adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use and elevated suicidal ideation
Garry L. Jones, a retired lieutenant with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, is sharing his lifelong battle with depression in hopes of helping others during global challenges. In his book, “Still I Rise & Manage Depression: Learn to Live a Balanced Life with Mental Illness,” he details his struggle with depression and ways he learned to fight it and live a balanced life. Jones says he has suffered from depression since he was about six years old.
“I was just a regular kid. No different than any other kid, at least I thought I was. During that time, this heavy feeling came over me, a feeling of sadness. At six years old, you don’t really have any reason to be sad,” said Jones.
When Jones finally mustered up the courage to tell his family about the thoughts and feelings he was dealing with, he says it took them by complete surprise. “They were shocked. I have always been upbeat. The life of the party. A smile on the face. I was masking it.” One of the reasons Jones thought it was so important to share his story and write his book to help others is because he says that depression can be a taboo subject in the African-American community. Statistics show only 1/4 of African-Americans seek mental health help, but they are 20% more likely to experience issues than the general population. In the book, Jones shares ways to fight the feelings of depression, heal yourself from the inside out, and practice good mental health.
The book can be used as a resource for Americans now more than ever before as the COVID-19 global pandemic grips the lives of countless people in America and around the world. COVID-19 and the economic downturn that came with it has negatively impacting people’s mental health in addition to creating new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness. Recent data shows that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. reported their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.
During the pandemic, people may not be able to or maybe worried about traveling to the doctor’s office and speaking with a doctor or therapist about their mental health issues. It is our hope that “Still I Rise” can be used as a resource for hope during these unprecedented, devastating times.
On October 18, at 5 p.m. EST, Dr. Sallie Stone, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Journalism, and Founder/CEO of Well-Done Events, will host a talk show via Zoom on the subject. The conversation features Author Garry L. Jones, as they dive into deep dialogue and solutions to an ever-growing area - mental health. To take part in the dialogue audiences are welcome to join in via Zoom using ID: 222 483 961 Passcode: 001743 The first 100 people can join the Zoom call! Once seats are filled no additional participants can attend.
A lot of African-Americans in particular may also feel a sense of hopelessness right now in America as racial tensions escalate and police brutality continues to be an issue. This kind of atmosphere can negatively impact mental health and create feelings of despair towards the future. Turn to “Still I Rise” as a resource during these times and find ways to deal with the feelings of despair and live a balanced life no matter the circumstances.
Jones says that masking the struggles, like he and so many others try to do, is not the way to go about healing. “Find someone to confide in,” said Jones. “The healing begins when we first share mental hurts and pains with someone: whether it’s a friend, doctor, pastor or someone you trust. If you find that is hard to do, go somewhere and cry to release the pain.”
Early detection of mental illness can make for a better life and ultimately save a life. In “Still I Rise,” you will learn practical steps to manage depression and other mental illnesses while living a balanced life.
Manage Depression is available at www.vmbooks.com
About Garry L. Jones:
Garry L. Jones is a regular commentator on a number of issues including social, political, and health. As a former U.S. Department of Justice employee, he received his formal education from the Kinston City Schools, graduating from Kinston High School in 1982, where he lettered in football and track. He then went on to attend North Carolina Central University, earning a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 1986. Jones attributes his courage and determination to succeed to his grandmother, Mrs. Tessie Jones.
In January 1991, Jones began working for the U.S. Department of Justice at Federal Prison Camp Seymour Johnson. In 2003, Jones retired from the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Senior Lieutenant, after working a combination of 16 years for federal and state prison facilities. In addition, Jones' is the founder of Advocate 4 Justice; an organization that addresses social issues. As an author, he's written on a number of topics from health and doctor's accountability to the pressures of maintaining work ethics under pressure. To learn more about his work visit: www.garryljones.com
About Still I Rise & Manage Depression:
Healings begin when we first share mental hurts and pains with someone - whether it is a friend, doctor, pastor, or someone you truly trust. If you find that this is hard to do, go somewhere and cry to release the pain.
Still I Rise & Manage Depression reminds us to use practical steps to improve mental health. Practicing good mental health is just as important as the practice of good physical health and diet. The one thing we learn from news headlines is depression and other mental illnesses do not discriminate; it affects men and women as well as the rich and the poor.
Early detection of depression, can make for a better life and ultimately save a life. Learn practical steps to manage depression and other mental illnesses while living a balanced life.
About Host, Dr. Sallie Stone:
Dr. Stone is the founder and CEO of Well-done Events! multi-media services. Dr. Stone has established a solid reputation for helping businesses and organizations promote their message through digital marketing and branding strategies. She is the owner of Compass Smart Solutions educational consulting providing training, professional development, coaching, and motivational speaking for diverse groups around customized themes. By strategically intertwining these two career fields, Dr. Sallie has garnered an excellent reputation as a leader in the field of Edutainment.
Dr. Sallie Stone graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Journalism. She received her M.A. from the University of South Florida in Education Leadership and her Doctorate in Leadership and Management from Capella University. She lives in Lakeland, FL where she enjoys spending time with family and fostering a spiritually rich and culturally inclusive community.