This submit was initially printed on Afro
By Andrea Stevens
After a decade within the making, writer Kevin Shird has accomplished his memoir, a deeply private exploration of the lasting results of violence and redemption. His ebook delves into his experiences with incarceration, his wrestle with post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) and the broader problems with psychological well being within the Black group.
“We’ve got to normalize psychological well being assist within the Black group. Self-medicating isn’t the reply—identical to Pleased Hour just isn’t a psychological well being counseling session,” stated Shird.
Shird’s inspiration stemmed from the stunning discovery that his former cellmate had dedicated a double murder. His analysis into the case, aided by court docket data, led him to look at the hyperlink between psychological well being and violence.
“My cellmate had massive plans for when he obtained out. Years later, I came upon he dedicated a double homicide. I wanted to know why,” stated Shird. “All of us get offended, all of us say issues within the warmth of the second, however what makes somebody truly undergo with homicide? That query took me down a rabbit gap.”
All through the writing course of, Kevin needed to confront painful recollections from his previous. The emotional toll of recounting violent experiences, together with a shootout in West Baltimore, led him to find that he was coping with PTSD.
“By discussing his PTSD, Kevin helps others perceive the significance of psychological well being assist,” stated Dr. Johnny Rice, an affiliate professor within the Division of Prison Justice at Coppin State College and a colleague of Shird. “Most people who’re incarcerated will reenter society, and we should ask in the event that they’ll come out higher or worse.”
This revelation deepened Shird’s understanding of the trauma that he, and lots of others, had suppressed for years.
“We’ve got to cease strolling round in ache. If you happen to get up with a toothache, you name a dentist. However when you get up anxious or depressed, why don’t we name a psychological well being skilled?” stated Shird.
When Kevin was launched from jail, he discovered work as a case supervisor at a group assist heart, the place he helped low-income people entry earned earnings tax credit. His new job was in stark distinction to his former lifetime of drug dealing. He usually discovered himself reflecting on the change, realizing how a lot his personal life had shifted.
“I used to be making $20,000 a day promoting medicine, after which I discovered myself working for $9 an hour serving to individuals file taxes. That was humbling—but it surely was additionally the beginning of one thing actual.”
Kevin is now utilizing his ebook to advocate for higher psychological well being sources in underserved communities and for many who have been incarcerated. He hopes to lift consciousness in regards to the significance of psychological well being counseling and normalize the act of in search of assist, notably throughout the Black group. He additionally plans to work with legislators to create insurance policies that make psychological well being companies extra accessible to those that want them most.
“Seeing Kevin within the classroom sharing the lived expertise each of us grew up in Baltimore, and Kevin, as somebody previously incarcerated, has been capable of present our students that change is feasible, but in addition change takes work,” stated Dr. Rice.
His story serves as each a private reflection and a name to motion, highlighting the significance of psychological well being care, training, and group assist. By sharing his journey, Kevin hopes to encourage others to hunt assist and make lasting change in their very own lives.
The submit Writing By way of Trauma: How one man is utilizing his story to encourage change appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
