Mental health is still one of the hardest conversations in our community, especially for Black men. In this episode of Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with licensed counselor Eric King for a real, honest conversation about depression, stigma, faith, therapy, and what healing can actually look like.

Eric King shares his personal journey into counseling, including how his own experience with depression shaped his work helping men navigate emotional health, identity, and growth. Together, Edwin and Eric unpack why so many men are taught to suppress pain, why therapy still feels taboo, how faith and counseling can coexist, and what signs tell you it may be time to seek help. They also discuss youth mental health, how to find the right therapist, what to expect in counseling, why access to care still falls short, and what a healthier community response could look like. 

This episode is for the doers: the people trying to hold together family, purpose, faith, and responsibility while still making room for their own healing. If you’ve ever said “I’m good” when you weren’t, this conversation is for you.

Why listen:

•  Eric King explains why many Black men “soldier through” depression instead of naming it 
•  The episode tackles the tension between faith and therapy without dismissing either one 
•  You’ll hear practical guidance on finding a therapist, setting expectations, and recognizing when it’s time to get help 
•  The conversation also looks at youth mental health, access gaps, and the kind of community care we need more of 

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