Hello, my name is Waaik Collier-Perrin. I'm 25, and I'm an audio engineer. My hobbies consist of spending time with family/friends, as well as, creating and finding new music. My goals are creating a business in the entertainment industry, opening a recording studio, and employ my friends and family.

What was your first experience mental health?

My first experience dealing with mental health was this past August when I was laced with K-2, causing me to have psychosis and schizophrenia. This experience led to me being detained and hospitalized at Albany Medical Center, where I became more educated on what a mental disorder actually is.

How has that impacted your life and who you were before your experience?

This experience impacted my life by revealing and bringing to my realization that I had suppressed traumatic experiences that were taking a toll on my mental health. I look at life differently now. I used to be the one to tell people to "suck it up" and deal with your problems, but now I am more informed and aware that the answer to people's problems aren't always that simple. I've learned that everybody has a different reality that they are dealing with, and what may work for me may not work for you. I've been sober since my incident, which has given me a new found clarity. I've grown closer to my family and friends whom were and continue to be by my side through my whole experience.

4) How did people around you respond?

The people around me were frightened, and for good reason, because I ended up putting people around me in physical danger with my actions while I was dealing with psychosis. They hadn't dealt with anyone in the state I was in before, so it was all a new experience for everyone involved.

Studies have shown that there are many disparities within the black community compared to whites and mental health. What are your views on mental health within the black community?

I feel that mental health in the black community is something that needs to be explored and treated. It is as if being mentally ill is "taboo" in the black community, which I believe is due to us dealing with the historic traumas from slavery and present traumas on a constant basis. We end up becoming numb to it and develop that "suck it up" mentality. No other culture has endured the traumas, trials and tribulations that black people have endured, not only in the US, but globally. That fact alone should be the "green light" for the black community to explore the issue, unfortunately that is not the case. And the factors which play a role in that are lack of resources and education in the black community, which is a whole other conversation in itself.

What are some self-care techniques you practice?

Some self-care techniques I utilize are meditating, keeping a balanced and healthy diet, communicating my feelings with someone I trust, and being mindful. What I mean by being mindful is living life moment to moment, not stressing to much about the past or future. These are DBT (Dialectical Behavior Training) skills that I picked up on my journey to recovery, and feel that people should look them up.

What advice do you have for people who are nervous about seeking mental health services? Especially black men?

My advice to people nervous about seeking mental health is to go in with an open mind, and not with the thought that your diagnosis is who you are or who you will be, because it's not. It's ok to be vulnerable. Look at it as a journey to discovery about yourself. Also, be your own self-advocate.

What are some suggestions you have for mental health practitioners:

Some suggestions I have for mental health practitioners are to watch out for misdiagnoses, things aren't always black and white, and listen to your patients without bias.

Top 3 Artist: Michael Jackson, Curren$y, Erykah Badu

Top 3 Books: "Your Mind Can Heal You," by Fredrick Bailes, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, and "48 Laws of Power," by Robert Greene

What was your Motivation behind the mouthin’ off podcast?

The motivation behind the Mouthin' Off Podcast was to create a platform that allows millennials to congregate, exchange ideas and opinions on pressing issues of the world, as well as have a little fun while doing so.

Check them out below:

https://soundcloud.com/themouthinoffpodcast

mouthinoffpodcast@gmail.com

thelyfeent2014@gmail.com

Quote that you live by?

A quote I live by is "Live Young Fearlessly Everyday" by The Live Young Fearlessly Everyday LLC

Lada: I met Waaik while being featured on the mouthin off podcast. I appreciated how open he was about his experience with mental health and how he advocated for people of color to receive proper mental health services. I hope that when people read this interview, they will be inspired to seek services and those who struggle to be open about their experience can be encouraged. Thank you Waaik.

Check out my feature on the mouthin off podcast here:

http://www.aladalove.com/mythoughts/2017/2/14/lada-the-hood-therapist-on-mouthin-off