HL 029: Boosting HBCU Students’ Mental Health

To begin 2016, we brought back an HBCU Lifestyle contributor to talk about a very important issue. Dr. Larry Walker returns to the podcast for a three-part conversation about mental health among HBCU students particularly black males.

Part 1

Dr. Walker begins the podcast by talking about the overall mental health landscape among college students across the country, especially among high-achieving students at highly recognized colleges and universities.

Part 2

We turn our attention to Dr. Walker’s blog “Combating Mental Health Stereotypes Among Black Men”. The podcast conversation even turns to a part of the blog that suggests HBCUs should start including mental health information at homecomings as a way to spread awareness. Finally, we discuss what happens when a black male feels like an outsider at an HBCU.

Part 3

The podcast interview wraps up with suggestions for resources including using campus peer groups as safe havens for students who seek mental health support. Finally, Dr. Walker responds to thoughts that can affect an HBCU student’s mental health.

• Follow Dr. Larry Walker on Twitter
• Dr. Walker’s EBONY op-ed: “Black Men and Mental Illness Can Be a Barbershop Conversation, Too”
• Episode 25 of the HBCU Lifestyle Podcast featuring Dr. Walker on how HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions can aid incarcerated youth