Health and wellness are not one size fits all. We all navigate our mental and physical health differently based on our own needs, environment, and identity. Yes, community efforts are absolutely necessary in creating a campus culture that raises the level of health, but individualized approaches are just as important.
When I first came to Stevens, my mental health took a dip, and most of the reason for this was because I felt different. I thought I could never mesh into the community here. Various organizations from our community put on study break events, self-care through physical grooming, meditations, etc. But none of that could have helped me in that time.
What I really needed at that time was someone to help me affirm my Blackness, my Queerness, my femininity, my loneliness. To tell me that I was different, but to ensure I celebrated that. I have been reading and listening to a lot of Tahliah Debrett Barnett’s (aka FKA Twigs) interviews lately, and she talks about the trouble she had in school as the only Black woman in attendance:
“She’d [Mother] pump me up at home and I’d be like, ‘Yes, I am pretty’ and I’d get dressed up and think, ‘Yes, I feel good.’ And then I’d go to the school disco and as soon as I got there I’d want the floor to eat me, because all my friends had this perfectly straight blond highlighted hair.”
– FKA Twigs,The Guardian
It’s deep rooted, these pains, and a lot of getting “well” was plucking these weeds and pains I grew up wanting to be, just like Twigs. A very key part of my wellness is my identity, and though relaxation events can help numb the pain, the wounds won’t be treated without specialized approaches.
For this week’s conversation, I have enlisted Charles Octobre to help me speak about mental health and wellness within the Black community. Octobre is a second-year Biomedical Engineering major, and is a member of Black Student Union and Secretary for College Democrats. In terms of identity, Octobre identifies as a Haitian man.
Nasir Anthony Montalvo: Tell me, what’s your favorite part about your identity?
Charles Octobre: Honestly, my favorite part is that we have a unique story. We’re different, in a way that’s very profound and very powerful. Throughout history and throughout time, we have always been discriminated against; but we have always proved to the world that we are better than what you tell us and we will set the bar for our own expectations. You can’t tell us that. That’s the beauty of being Black.
NM: How does Black-specific trauma affect you? What does that look like?
CO: Specifically, I have experienced this trauma on campus. I have been called the N-word. It’s not a pretty thing, and it’s much uglier trying to deal with it. Coupled with the fact the person that called me that, I don’t even know who it was. In my case, it happened through email. I still to this day wonder who is this person, you know? And the fact that this culture exists is a little disheartening. But in a sense, it shows that we have flaws. Society in itself isn’t perfect, but we need to fix it and move on. It is what it is, and I took care of it.
NAM: Who was there to support you besides yourself? Were there any resources on campus that you could use?
CO: Actually, you were the person I first contacted!
BOTH: [laugh]
CO: From there, I went to administration and spoke to Dean Nilsen more about the situation. Then, I was transferred to Xhiljola and she was the one that further investigated the situation. But in terms of support, there definitely was. We have a community, and when something happens, there are people out here who are more than willing to support you in any way, shape or form. In my case, sadly, the person was never found. But I hope that, even if we did find the person, I could tell that person, “Listen, you made a mistake,” and for them to open to it. Eventually, life will get to them.
NM: It’s no secret that Stevens has a mental health problem.
CO: [laughs] Very much so.
NM: What’s your take on wellness here?
CO: I think they’re on the right track for mental health. In terms of possible improvement wise, keep pushing for more outreach. Reach out to everyone and making everyone feel welcome. Ensure people that it’s okay to have a rough day, it’s okay to be feeling down. There are people more than willing to spend time to make sure you’re doing okay at the end of the day.
NM: Elsewhere, there are Historically Black Houses, HBCUs, greek organizations, safe spaces, and more. Really, these are all congregations of Black people. How integral do you think this is to wellness? How does Black people coming together help our wellness?
CO: For wellness, this is excruciatingly important. There’s just certain things that a Black person can understand that someone who is White will never understand. Being together as Black people at any college, any campus is so important. Stevens having a BSU is so important. A Black fraternity or sorority is important. Every campus should have one of these organizations, at the least. It’s just this sense of family. It gets difficult sometimes, but having those communities on campus helps people.
NM: Do you have any tips for mental health and wellness within the Black community?
CO: Observe your surroundings, and see that life has many things to offer you. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I guarantee you that there are family members and friends who can support you. If you ever are subjected to discriminiation or a racial attack, know that we as a Black community are here for you. We will work together to make sure it doesn’t happen to you again, and make sure you feel centered as a Black human.
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