Columbus, Ohio — “Mental health can affect anybody at any age,” said Aliya Horton, part of the Black Girls Think Tank. “It doesn't discriminate from the age of 3 to the age of 45. So getting the help that you need from a young age can prevent trauma later in life and prevent trauma for anybody else because you're not healed.”

The Black Girls Think Tank is a program created by local organization Rise Sister Rise – through their research, they say that black girls are especially vulnerable to mental health issues.

“There is a problem with the way that Black girls are being raised,” said Paiden Williams from the Think Tank, who says interactions with peers, boys and family can all have an effect on mental health.

“The way that they are looked at in life and their mental health stems a lot from that.”

Empowering the Black community with mental health resources is the purpose of “You Matter!” – a community forum and wellness fair hosted by the Central Ohio chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women on Saturday at The Ohio State University's African-American and African Studies Community Extension Center.

“We have to start talking,” said event organizer Davonna Booth-Minor. “We have to start talking to each other. And we have to start talking with our family and friends asking the question 'Are you ok?'”

The event included wellness activities like massages, information on treatment and connections to care, as well as a frank discussion about mental health in the community. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black Americans are at a higher risk for mental illnesses, and are less likely to receive treatment than their white counterparts.

“There are so many different pieces and components that goes into mental health for Black individuals,” said counselor Carla Eugene, from L.A. counseling services. “We have already experienced so much trauma and negative experiences from being black and racism, and even in the workplace with the phrase you have to work twice as hard to get half as far.”

Eugene says coping skills can help anyone feeling the stress of life. Talking with a friend, family member or professional, physical activity and hobbies or crafts can help manage stress.

“Going to get a manicure or a pedicure, going to get a massage to relieve the stress in the body,” suggests Eugene. “Or reading a good book, journaling. Those are good ways to reduce stress and find ways through mental health concerns.”

But through more conversations, and providing resources, these women hope to encourage more in the community toward wellness.

“Mental health does not discriminate for age or race or who you are, so it's important to talk about that so the Black community can heal and we can move forward as a community,” said Horton.