When WNY Women Talk Mental Health, it means social justice, current affairs, societal expectations, grief, elder care, misogynoir, depression, anxiety, self-worth, and adjusting to COVID’s ‘new normal.’
Those are a few of the topics covered in Spectrum Health’s first virtual event held on March 31. Spectrum Health’s Christine Ziemba was among the panelists along with community leaders Sandy White, Melodie Baker, and Mary Kate O’Connell. The discussion was moderated by radio host Brenda Alesii.
Melodie, as the mother of five, expressed her concern about how society expects more from black women. Mary Kate talked about how, as an artist, she sought ways to embrace her craft, even when she felt at a creative ebb. Sandy talked about the triggers we will all experience along our COVID journeys, and how her work with the Alzheimer Association honors her father’s life. Christine affirmed that the normal response to COVID’s abnormal situation is stressful and NY Project Hope is here to help with an Emotional Support Helpline. Brenda shared her journey in coping with her only sister’s death.
Five women shared their stories of strength, resiliency, and creative adaptation in under an hour.
