Firstly, the Academy’s decision to suspend Will Smith for 10 years seems excessive. Will Smith has a history of charitable work and has no widely known enemies. While it’s important to hold individuals accountable for their actions, the punishment seems to be a ploy to make an example for future encounters. It also raises concerns of institutional racism, as black men often receive harsher sentences than their white counterparts. In the history of the Academy, only five people have been expelled, four for sexual misconduct and one for copyright infringement.

Moving on to Will’s marriage with Jada Pinkett-Smith, there has been much speculation surrounding their relationship. However, their marriage is consensual and private, and it’s not for others to judge. On the Red Table Talk web series, Will & Jada discussed a time when Jada was unhappy, and Will encouraged her to go find her own happiness. While society may think Will should leave Jada, it’s not our place to interfere.

Furthermore, Jada is a strong woman who can handle herself, and it’s not up to Will to protect her at all times. In any healthy relationship, both parties establish boundaries and respect each other’s wishes. Blaming Jada for Will’s decisions is unfair and reminiscent of the old debate of victim-blaming.

In conclusion, the punishment handed down to Will Smith seems excessive, and the discussion surrounding his marriage with Jada Pinkett-Smith is not our business. It’s important to respect others’ privacy and not judge their relationships without proper context.

Photo Credit: Brides.com

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Growing up, we experience a multitude of pressures from our parents, teachers, and peers. The expectations to excel academically, athletically, and socially can often feel overwhelming. Additionally, navigating the complexities of adolescence, such as puberty and finding our place among our peers, can further contribute to stress and anxiety.

As we transition into adulthood, we must learn to become self-sufficient and find our own path. This new stage of life can be riddled with uncertainty and loneliness, as we leave behind our familiar support systems and venture into the unknown. Adapting to new environments and responsibilities can be challenging, and the stress of adulting – including financial obligations, career choices, and personal relationships – can take a toll on our mental health.

In recent years, the world has faced unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in widespread social isolation, economic strain, and anxiety. The ongoing threat of global conflict only adds to the daily stress and uncertainty we all face. As a result, mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have become even more prevalent.

Given the multitude of pressures we face in today’s world, it’s essential to recognize the importance of mental health and seek help when needed. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or eating disorders, please consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Keywords: mental health, pressures, adolescence, adulthood, anxiety, depression, stress, COVID-19, PTSD, SAMHSA

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History was also made at the 2022 Oscars as Will Packer led the first-ever all-black production team. Communities across the nation hosted viewing parties to celebrate this significant milestone. However, the accomplishments of Jackson and Packer were overshadowed by an unexpected incident involving Willard Carroll Smith Jr., also known as Will Smith, and comedian Chris Rock.

The altercation between Smith and Rock revealed a deeper issue beyond the surface – mental health struggles among celebrities. The public breakdown of Will Smith, similar to that of Kanye West, highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, regardless of one’s status, fame, or wealth.

Both Smith and West have openly discussed their personal traumas and challenges, but they have yet to find solace or healing in the public eye. Society often dismisses the struggles of celebrities, assuming that money and fame offer immunity from the pressures of life. This misconception prevents individuals like Smith and West from seeking the help they need without fear of ridicule or judgment.

In the case of Smith, the incident at the Oscars could be seen as a blessing in disguise. Had it occurred under different circumstances, it might have resulted in more severe consequences. Chris Rock’s restraint and maturity in handling the situation allowed for a more compassionate response, potentially opening the door for Smith to get the help he has needed.

Mental health is an important issue that affects everyone, regardless of their status or success. We must learn to be more compassionate, allowing people the space and support they need to take care of their mental health without judgment.

Ultimately, we must prioritize self-care and seek help when needed, without waiting for the permission or approval of others. The 2022 Oscars serve as a powerful reminder that, despite the progress we’ve made in embracing diversity, there’s still much work to be done in addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who need it most.

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In the last few years, especially after this past year and a half of a pandemic, there are at least two words that have become a household topic.  It’s not as if this was never important before, but COVID-19 has thrust us into REALLY having to take a hard look!  MENTAL HEALTH is no longer a passive or taboo discussion.  We have learned that Mental Health is probably the topic we should be addressing as much as cancer, AIDS, or any other medical ailment.  Moreso because our mental health directly impacts our physical and spiritual ability to deal with the othersAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMH), 1 in 5 Americans suffer from Mental Illness each year.  75% of lifetime mental illness begins between the ages of 14 and 24.  When we think of those humans affected, we tend to not think about the wealth, fame status , or  athletes.   It seems our expectation is that folks of a certain class or status are immune.   Although we have seen the likes of Whitney Houston, Prince, John Ritter, Robin Williams, Michael Phelps and others fall, somehow we still have this perception that depression is reserved for the poor or less fortunate.  Somehow, we collectively respond in SHOCK and AWE, as if this hasn’t happened before.  In the wake of recent revelations of  two young female athletes, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles, have publicly taken a stand and opened  up about their own battles with mental health issues–here we are SHOCKED again!   I am personally proud of both of them for drawing a line for themselves.  Clearly, their collective wellness is NOT what is most important for America.  We just want them to “shut up and dribble”–I think that is how one commentator referenced Lebron James for taking a stand on another issue. Sorry, I digressed!

May 2021, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open.  Naomi boycotted the press events and was fined $15,000.  She was called a “Diva”.  Naomi disclosed that she had been battling social anxiety and depression.  She has always appeared to be  an introvert and after winning her 1st US Open Championship in 2018, the press left a not so pleasing impression on her.  She found herself nervous and, ultimately, too stressed to engage.

2021 Tokyo Olympics, the young woman known as the G.O.A.T. of gymnastics, the 7 medal Olympian, Simone Biles, withdrew from the team all-around competition.  Biles admitted to having issues with mental health in the past.  This time was different for her.  Biles was worried for her well-being.  The stress of the Olympic process, followed by a pandemic, the Olympic wait, then Olympic trials again, stress of the Olympics, and the stress of the week took  a toll on her.  Gymnastics was no longer fun and risking the American team a medal due to lack of focus wasn’t an option for her.  Michael Phelps, in agreement with Simone stated, “being an Olympic athlete is overwhelming. You feel like you have the weight of the country on your shoulders.  It can be lonely.  All you want is someone you can trust, that will let us be ourselves, someone that listens, allows you to be vulnerable, someone that doesn’t have expectations, but, most importantly, someone who is not gonna try to fix us.”  Biles said it best, “It is ok to not be ok.”

On the other hand,  track star, Sha’Carri Richardson,  was kicked off the Olympic team because she tested positive for marijuana after her Olympic trial win.  ShaCarri’s mother passed away and a week later she was running in the Olympic trials.  She says she didn’t know any other way to deal with all the grief and pressure she was under so she turned to marijuana to help her relax.  Richardson was criticized for her method of dealing with her mental health issues.

Americans are fickle.  Society has become polarized.  You are either a “Winner” or a “Quitter”.  This view is a reason why the conversations are hard to have in society.  Some people take days, weeks, months off for physical health.  Mental health is even more important to the recovery process. .  Recognize the issue, then take a step away to regroup, even if it is the biggest game of your life. These people (athletes, singers, actors, doctors, nurses, janitors etc)  have a responsibility to take care of themselves before helping America (win any more medals).  The audacity of us to collectively think they should sacrifice more of themselves.  For those who disagree, I have 2 simple questions, who are you?  What are you sacrificing for America?

If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders please call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Photo credit: Sydney Campbell-www.thepalmettopanther.com

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While I too would love to see Richardson “crush” the competition,  I can’t help but be frustrated by the confusing comments.  The bible might refer to this as “double minded”.  We can’t decide what we want or what is right or wrong.  Ah, ha…finally!  This is why the world is in so much turmoil?!  Sorry, I digressed.

On one hand I am reflecting on general comments often made about 20 somethings or just younger generations in general.   We have many preconceived notions about each generation but when it comes to Millennials (25-40 yr olds) and Z’s (younger than 24) they have been labeled as the most irresponsible.  It is said that “they lack drive and the old school values’ ‘.   So here is my confusion.  Sha’Carri Richardson did exactly the opposite of what we say young people do.  She didn’t make up an excuse.  She did recite the difficulties and complexities of her life and how those things impacted her decision.  Plain and simple…Life circumstances SUCK sometimes and we have to find a way to cope!   Sha’Carri told the media that she was under a lot of pressure, and she needed to relax after finding out her biological mother passed away.   It could not have been more simple.  By the way, she didn’t owe that to anyone except herself (IJS).  She was sincerely disappointed in herself, and took the weight of her misjudgments very seriously. It was straightforward.  Finally, we have a Z’er to show us the level of response and maturity we want them to display.   She understands that as an elite athlete, she should not be indulging in the use of marijuana, but she is human–not superhuman.  We should be applauding her for her honesty and holding her up as an example to others her age (and some older).

So, I ask the question, why are some of us having a problem with this straightforward situation?  Why do we need to add drama?   Somebody please explain how this morphed into a racial issue?   Why do we ask them to be responsive and responsible but then make up reasons to erode the effort?   Richardson and Michael Phelps, really?  The two situations are completely different.    A picture of Michael Phelps, arguably the best Olympic swimmer of all time, indulging in the use of marijuana from a bong surfaced after he had already participated in the Olympics.  He admitted that the picture was prior to the Olympics, but it was not released to the media until the Olympics were over.  Phelps endured a 3-month suspension and went back to training.   Richardson was smoking during the Olympic trials (DUH!) and was given a 30-day suspension. She was supposed to have 3 months but agreed to take a drug course to reduce the time.  Her suspension runs directly into the Olympic genesis.  Yes, Phelps happens to be white, and yes Richardson happens to be black, but there is no need to reach for the race card.  This is how we errode issues that are really about race.  This is a human issue, an emotional help issue, life issue or perhaps a lack of community support issue.

Sha’Carri is a young lady and a high-performance athlete. We need to remind ourselves that she is still a kid, someone’s child, a sibling, a family member, a friend. She is still trying to find her way in this unforgiving world and like any young person her age, the load of life is heavy.  She is still in the trial-and-error phase.  The spotlight she stands in only makes her plate heavier to carry.  21 is the age of the child/adult conflict–where the law says you’re an adult but behavior is often contrary.  There is a real struggle for some to transition and release childhood or childlike tendencies.   Sha’Carri Richardson should be a reminder to check on our young people.  A smile on their faces could easily be a façade.

Sha’Carri has accepted the fact that she won’t be able to participate in the 2021 Tokyo games.   She said,“this is the last time I will be missing the Olympics.”   I say applaud her. She made no excuses, she wasn’t double minded or confused about her infraction.  She bravely looked the world in the eye, stood tall and owned her mistake.  That is the sign of a true champion and maturity.   Keep your eyes on Sha’Carri Richardson because she is coming back stronger and more determined. This is one small setback leading to the setup of a future Olympic legacy.

If you or anyone you know is in need of grief or drug counseling, please call the 24/7, 365 days a year, National helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Photo credit: NBC News

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Over the course of four years, I lost my parents and three of my four grandparents. It almost destroyed me, especially on top of life’s regular stresses. Thankfully, my wife saw that I was struggling and encouraged me to seek help. And that’s exactly what I did.

There’s no shame in seeking treatment for your mental health. And when it comes to Kanye West, I believe he could benefit from in-patient treatment. It’s clear that no one in his inner circle is giving him the constructive feedback he needs to get back on track.

There are only two occasions for thinking of someone, according to Baby Face. And I think the same goes for the journey of life: we’re either making decisions that bring us closer to living or closer to dying. Our behavior is a reflection of where we stand on that spectrum.

Kanye’s recent behavior seems increasingly irrational and confused. While I understand that grief can cause a delusional state, confusion is not aligned with life. The Bible teaches us that our words have power and can manifest the quality of our existence. During a recent visit to Joel Osteen, Kanye expressed his belief that Jesus has won the victory and “the greatest artist God ever created is now working for him.”

In the end, we must all make our own decisions and journeys. But I encourage anyone struggling with mental health to seek help and make intentional positive decisions that move them closer to living. My heart goes out to Kanye and anyone else going through a difficult time.

Photo Credit: Lakewood Church

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Robin Crawford, Houston’s friend and lover, was also deeply affected by this pressure to hide their relationship. With Houston’s passing, it’s impossible to rectify the time they lost together, and it’s a painful reality that Crawford has to grapple with. I believe that the recent purge of emotions and thoughts that Crawford has shared with the public is a therapeutic process that will help her in the healing journey. Protecting Nippy was once important, but now Crawford’s own survival and well-being are the top priority. Let her release her emotions, for nobody else can understand her pain.

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