The Outlet Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to redefining discussions of mental health, has launched a new event series to reduce mental health stigma.
After struggling with mental illness and suicidality for years, the Outlet Project founder Adrian Wilson started the organization to make mental health safe, fun, and less inhibited by the heaviness associated with mental illness.
Healing Out Loud, the Outlet Project’s new keystone event, is a community space where people can discuss mental health topics while having a good time.
“The main point is building community and creating those spaces where mental health is safe, where it’s fun, where it’s comfortable,” Wilson told Georgia Voice. “You can have a great brunch and you can listen to music, but you can also get resources and tools.”
The inaugural Healing Out Loud event came to Retreat by TGS in West Midtown on the morning of Sept. 19. The sold-out event included food, music, non-alcoholic drinks, a sound bath, and a panel talk with therapists and mental health leaders.
“You’ll feel the love and you’ll feel the support of other people,” Wilson said of the event series.
Wilson’s goal with Healing Out Loud and the Outlet Project’s other work is to combat mental health stigma, especially among Black and brown people, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups.
One in five Americans live with a mental illness, and while 88% of U.S. adults don’t believe that having a mental health disorder is something to be ashamed of, 84% think the term “mental illness” still carries a stigma, according to the American Psychological Association.
“I think the stigma around mental health needs to change because people are afraid to talk about it, especially men,” Wilson said. “…What if we had measurable and accessible resources and tools so suicide doesn’t have to be the end result?”
Wilson says the Outlet Project will host other Healing Out Loud events in the near future. To stay up to date, visit the organization’s website and Instagram.
Related story: New steering committee to guide Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center development
