Petrona Joseph on the Importance of Breaking Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community

Petrona Joseph understands the value of talking about mental health from firsthand experience. By destigmatizing these conversations, people have the opportunity to realize they’re not alone, and the value of this is enormous. In her latest book, ‘Stigmatized: Breaking the Silence and Demystifying Mental Illness’, Petrona shares her deeply personal story in hopes to contribute to breaking the cycle of stigmatization, shame, fear, and guilt that compounds one’s efforts to heal. The book exposes the tremendous power of hope and healing and is told to offer new hope to others who are coping every day with mental illness.

Petrona has carried numerous prestigious titles and positions to her name such as the VP of Marketing for Montreal Caribbean Fashion Week, Honorary Delegate for the Film Festival Views of the World, Ambassador for BMW Canada and Montreal’s 100 Most Influential Women. Hard work and passion have led to her success today. 

We spoke with the entrepreneur, author, publicist and Mental Health advocate about her new book, self-care regimen and how she juggles it all. 

OBM: It’s great to speak with you, Petrona! You are the definition of a multi-hyphenate career woman – beautifully juggling between being a blogger, author, publicist, and mental health advocate! What is your secret, Sis?

It’s such a pleasure, thank you for having me. I also follow your work and I am in awe of you as well. I will have to say that I take my rest very seriously. My philosophy is, nothing is very urgent. And I also make it a habit for people/clients to know that I do not process anything without thinking it over. That way, those around me know that I will respond at a reasonable delay. 

OBM: Tell us about your book ‘Stigmatized: Breaking the Silence and Demystifying Mental Illness’. How difficult was it for you to share your personal journey dealing with depression and anxiety and why was it so important for you to tell your story? 

It was scary. I had a public image that I had curated over the last 10 years, and everyone sees me as a bubbly person who’s always out and about. Which is not really the case. I’ve been on antidepressants for the last 9 years, and taking a break for the last year and a half, almost two years. If I didn’t write about dealing with depression and anxiety, no one would ever believe that I suffered in silence. But then others started reaching out to me and telling me about their struggles too. That’s when I realized that speaking up about my experience with mental health was a part of my journey.

OBM: Mental health unfortunately remains a taboo topic, especially in the Black community, have you received any feedback (positive or negative) from people who have read the book?

I would say it’s been mostly positive. At first, my father told me he was disappointed in me for writing my book. And it hurt. But when I started getting messages from other Black Women and Men who struggled to take antidepressants because of social taboos, then after reading my story they find the strength to take the step toward their healing, and that had a huge impact on me. 

OBM: How do you find the strength to push through a tough day? What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone reading this who may be struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts?

I have many tough days, and I think the best advice I can give anyone is to know first that they deserve to live a healthy life. Then I would encourage anyone reading to seek therapy to become more self-aware. Self-awareness and understanding your illness allow us to not be too hard on ourselves on harder days. I would also tell anyone reading to consider antidepressants as a tool for healing. It’s not an all-in or quick fix, but it helps tremendously. Then lastly I would suggest learning self-compassion. 

OBM: Who are some of your greatest inspirations or role models? 

I would say, Oprah and Naomi Campbell. Oprah because I felt like I too can be smart, and prosperous. And Naomi Campbell because I too can be as confident and self-assured in my journey through life. 

OBM: What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care means to me to be in complete alignment. If I feel out of alignment with something or someone, I step away. I also believe in a day a week where I have nothing scheduled because my schedule is non-stop and I want to prevent burnout. I also love reconnecting to nature by taking long walks through heavily forested areas because I have a deep belief that trees have healing energy. 

OBM: Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. Keep up the amazing work! How can our readers keep up with you?

Thank you so much! Readers can follow me on Instagram @Iampetronajoseph to see what I’m up to or on LinkedIn.