Although, there is an annual observance of Mental Health Awareness, there can never be a casual observance of conversation, education, intervention and advocacy that surround this global epidemic that affects our world at large. According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), “mental illness has become an epidemic striking one out of every four people in the world today.”
At a recent women’s empowerment conference, Finally Me 4 Real, hosted by visionary Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark, mental health was prioritized as one of the primary pillars that supported the nearly 400 attendees in Alexandria, Virginia just outside of the nation’s capital. The 3-day event also included empowerment in the areas of faith, health, wealth (finance), business and more. Other notable guest speakers and presenters included Bishop Rosie O’Neal, MC Lyte, Lynn Richardson, Le’Andria Johnson, Natalie Taylor, and more.
At the helm of the mental health segment, Dr. Anita Phillips, a national leading authority poignantly delivered a brilliant and balanced mix of biblical truth, industry education and practical strategy. She has spent her career blending faith with individual and group therapy for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, and child sexual abuse.
Dr. Anita holds a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland, a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from the Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
In an onsite interview conducted by Amerikan Therapy, Dr. Anita discusses the state of mental health, and helps to demystify some stigmas and clear cultural misunderstandings that exists in our communities: