Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jackson Dunbar.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Jackson Dunbar, founder of WellMad Atlanta—a coalition of psychiatric, medical, psychology, counseling, and special education providers—joined Rushion McDonald to discuss the urgent need for accessible mental health care. Drawing from his personal experience with chronic pain and mental health struggles, Dunbar shared insights into the systemic issues affecting mental health access, especially for Black and Brown communities. The conversation covered suicide prevention, the impact of COVID-19, the shortage of child psychiatrists, and the importance of building a strong care team. Dunbar emphasized the power of communication, hope, and proactive mental health management.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To raise awareness about the mental health crisis and lack of access to care.
• To share Jackson Dunbar’s personal journey and how it shaped his mission.
• To promote WellMad Atlanta as a resource for mental health support.
• To encourage men, especially Black men, to seek help and break stigma.
• To highlight the importance of team-based care and individualized treatment plans.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mental Health Access Crisis

• There are fewer than 10,000 child psychiatrists in the U.S.
• Many providers don’t accept insurance due to payment delays and system hacks.
• Quote: “Three out of five children have a mental health diagnosis, but there’s not enough psychiatrists.”

2. Impact of COVID-19

• Demand for mental health services rose nearly 100%.
• Many older providers retired or stopped accepting patients due to health risks.
• Telemedicine expanded access, especially in underserved areas.

3. Suicide and Chronic Pain

• Suicide often stems from loss of hope, especially in chronic pain patients.
• Dunbar shared his own struggle with suicidal thoughts due to untreated nerve damage.
• Quote: “I couldn’t sleep. I had to drink vodka shots just to get a few hours of sleep.”

4. Building a Mental Health Team

• A strong care team includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, PCP, rehab specialist, and more.
• Smart goals help patients regain functionality and purpose.
• Quote: “How do I make money when I can’t work? That’s where Smart goals come in.”

5. Stigma in Black Communities

• Many Black men avoid seeking help due to fear of appearing weak.
• Dunbar advocates for breaking this stigma and embracing mental health care.
• Quote: “We’re the first to fight for this country, but the last to get help when we return.”

6. WellMad Atlanta’s Reach

• Serves Georgia residents virtually, including college students and rural communities.
• Offers culturally competent care and prioritizes accessibility.
• Quote: “As long as your Wi-Fi is tight, we’re good.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The person going through challenges is focused on what they’ve lost. That’s a dark place.”
• “Insurance companies offered payday loans to doctors instead of paying them.”
• “Vacationing was miserable—until I rented a scooter and felt like Iron Man.”
• “Mental health isn’t just one month a year. It’s every day.”
• “You can’t make money if you’re not mentally or physically right.”

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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