Hi! Many of you may know me as Scooter, the upbeat energetic person that cares about so many. But little do you know I had to learn to care for myself first. I had my first bout of Depression in college, but with stigmas in the black community, I didn’t identify or take it seriously. Through a life of alcoholism, which has a major impact on serotonin and mood, I soon started to recognize negative patterns in my life. At one point in my adulthood, I realized I needed help and was diagnosed with Bipolar Depressive Disorder. The alcohol had a hold of me it was my choice of medication.
It wasn’t until COVID hit that I realized I needed to seek some serious help. Through the help of my company’s EAP program, I sought therapy on my own and took my illness seriously. Many didn’t know my struggles were due to Mental Illness, but it took a toll on my family. Through therapy, medication, self-care, I am now happy to say that I am now sober, and I am a better person. I created Brothers Brunch Foundation to help Black Men with Mental Health and Self Care Awareness. I share this to say that after 30 years of battling my Mental Stigma, I finally used the resources that I had to be a “Better Me”. I must speak out because my Me just might be YOU! Let’s take the first step together as “You Are Not Alone”!
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