Navigating Uncomfortable Feelings with Actor Skyh Black

Listen to the Verywell Mind Podcast, Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, where she interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspiring individuals about their strategies for mental well-being.

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Meet Skyh Black

From dancing as a backup for superstars like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Rihanna, Skyh Black made a bold shift to pursue his passion for acting. However, this path led him through periods of homelessness and intense dedication to build his acting career.

Skyh is now shining in TV shows like "Sistas," "All the Queen’s Men," and "Lace," and is using his platform to address mental health, especially among Black men, where there is a significant gap in open conversations about emotional well-being.

What Makes Skyh Black Mentally Strong

Through his acting career, Skyh discovered the power of expressing emotions through his characters. He understands the importance of openly discussing mental health and coming forward with his struggles to help others relate and cope with their own challenges.

Highlights of the Show

• Skyh's journey from dancing to acting
• Embracing uncertainties and avoiding backup plans
• Facing homelessness and recognizing mental health struggles
• Exploring the influence of environment on mental strength
• The stigma associated with mental health care
• Overcoming the guilt of feeling unwell despite a seemingly great life
• The healing properties of solitude and journaling
• The role of therapy in understanding one's behavior

Key Learnings about Mental Health and Mental Strength

• Acknowledging and expressing emotions, especially in marginalized communities, requires mental strength.
• Creating an environment where individuals feel safe enough to seek help is vital for improving mental health.

Quotes from Skyh

• "You have to make a concerted effort to believe in who you want to be and the steps that are needed to make that happen. But the belief is the hardest part because you have so many outside forces and opinions that we all take in every single day."
• "You can't diminish what someone is going through because you don't know their story."
• "I'm walking in this body of a six [foot] one Black man and realizing some days I don't feel great. And that's OK. But I’m also having guilt that I don't feel great because life is great."
• "I need moments of solitude to refill myself in order to pour into others."
• "I think it's extremely vital to now tap into therapy to understand why you are the way you are."

More about the Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across various streaming platforms. Show support and help spread mental health awareness by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings encourage others to listen and prioritize their mental well-being.

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[Image of Skyh Black smiling]