Harlem pastor combats mental health stigma through church support

Michael A. Walrond, Jr., a pastor from Harlem's First Corinthian Baptist Church, is working to reduce the stigma around mental health in his community. His nonprofit organization employs therapists to provide mental health care, aiming to help people who might otherwise suffer in silence. Walrond's personal experience with mental health issues has shaped his mission. In his late 30s, he experienced suicidal thoughts for the first time. Growing up in a family where mental health was rarely discussed, he did not initially recognize his struggles with depression and anxiety. After seeking therapy, he believes it saved his life and wanted to extend help to others. Walrond began by hiring a part-time therapist to work in the church. The demand for counseling services was much higher than anticipated. To address this, he created the H.O.P.E. Center, which now has seven clinicians, including doctors and social workers. Despite progress, many individuals in the community still feel embarrassed to seek help for their mental health. The conversation around mental health can be difficult, especially in Black families. Many people believe that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness. Walrond and other leaders at the church hope to change this mindset by promoting the idea that mental health care is just as important as physical health. Walrond speaks openly about mental health and suicide during church services. He encourages people to acknowledge their struggles and seek help. Drawing from scripture, he highlights the experiences of biblical figures who faced despair and emphasizes that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. The initiatives at First Corinthian Baptist Church aim to create a safe space for discussing mental health and to show that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards healing.