This monthly feature will be about Black young adults who experienced mental health struggles and are advocating on behalf of others.

WHO: Miana Bryant, 24

WHAT: Founder of The Mental Elephant

WHY: She is the Founder of a mental health organization that helps people with their mental health

In High School, Miana Bryant dealt with depression and general anxiety. She was battling with the stress of trying to graduate from High School, living in a small area in Washington, DC, and trying to figure herself out.

“It was definitely difficult with dealing with depression at a young age when there wasn’t much any facts, resources, or knowledge about depression at that time,” said Miana.

Miana comes from a family that has been diagnosed and battled with depression. She thinks it may have been genetic or hereditary, but different factors, such as being a black woman and living in a small area/town, contributed to her mental health.

From time to time, she is still dealing with her struggles. But at first, she overcame depression and anxiety by going to see a doctor, getting on medication, focusing on coping skills like journaling and exercising, and going to therapy as often as possible.

In 2016, Miana’s struggles inspired and motivated her to create The Mental Elephant, a non-profit organization based on mental health and empowerment.

Can you explain what The Mental Elephant is and how can young adults be involved? 

“We focus on the mental health of youth, kids, college students, the African American community, and the Minority community. We do a lot of different empowerment events and we do a lot of male mental health events. Right now, due to Covid, everything is virtual so if you would like to be part of The Mental Elephant or if you are interested to know more about us, you could always email us at thementalelephant@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @mentalelephant and Twitter, @mentalelephants.”

What is your goal with The Mental Elephant? 

“My long-term goal is to provide low-cost therapy sessions and to build physical elephant centers kind of like how we have YMCA currently where people can go and receive treatment. I want to allow people that are in low-income areas, like small towns, to be able to access proper health care.”

How did your struggles inspire or motivate you to create the Mental Elephant? 

“Once I got to college, and facing things on my own, made want to reach out and talk to some of my friends of some of the things I was dealing with. Over time I noticed that some of my friends were dealing with some of the things I was dealing with and I wanted to start a group even if it was a group chat or something small, kind of just so everybody can talk and express their similar experiences. Over time the group chats just kind of grew into events and organizations and now we are here four years later.”

What advice would you give to young Black adults that are struggling with the same mental health struggles that you went through? 

“Definitely suggest finding someone that is very supportive that you feel comfortable talking to. Also, to get checked out, to be diagnosed, see what’s going on with you because a lot of mental illness is chemical imbalances. One of the side effects of a lot of mental illness is thinking that you’re overreacting or thinking that you’re faking when you’re not. If you feel like something may be out of wired or something may be wrong, definitely go get help and try to do the best that you can.”