Mental Health the topic of Black Women Entertainment panel
Black Women Film Network and The Gathering Spot ATL partnered to host a panel titled Minding Your Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry. Melissa Ingram moderated the panel that featured Kat Graham, Shante Paige, Laura Morse, and Elissa Sanders.
Each of the ladies were able to give perspective from different viewpoints of what maintaining your mental health looks like in the entertainment industry.
Sanders, who is a set therapist, started the conversation off by saying “the need for the discussion of mental health is there, it’s just time to embrace the support from the community.” Sanders also discussed the role that she plays on set, stating that she is there to support cast and crew with any mental health needs during shooting.
Morse, a psychotherapist, discussed starting her work at the Alliance Theater at the height of thd Covid pandemic. She expressed how many of the Black performers were having a hard time coming on stage to perform when Black Lives Matter was at its peak, and so many people were dying from Covid. Morse said that during that time it was important that she let the actors know to “normalize taking care of yourself no matter what.”
Paige, who is an executive producer, says she has learned the importance of empathizing with talent. She said “I do not want to push wounds to get talent to act up on set” when it comes to creating a show. Graham, an actress and activist explained “my mental health is defined by how much I’m in my purpose.” She discussed that when she is in her purpose nothing can shake her mental state, but when she is not anything can throw her off. Graham also said that setting her intention daily is something that keeps her mental wellbeing in check.
The ladies closed out the discussion by giving more tips on how to enhance your mental health. Mores explained the importance of setting boundaries, she said “you know your boundaries are working when you get pushback from people.” She said when that pushback happens you will know who does not need to be in your life. Paige said “meditation, grounding, and paying attention to triggers” are tools that she uses.
“It is important to make decisions that boost and benefit your health,” Sanders said.