“Zeta Sings the Blues,” an international Mental Health Initiative, is a capstone program established by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated to increase awareness and fight the stigma of mental health. International President Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker formed a team of mental health professionals to develop this new program to educate members of the sisterhood and community. Many individuals are impacted directly and indirectly by mental health problems; however, many suffer in silence. It is critical to facilitate open dialogue, address misconceptions, and work to promote overall well-being. To this end, Zeta Sings the Blues launched on March 1, 2019.

There is compelling evidence indicating that millions of people are experiencing mental illness to varying degrees. Some individuals display signs and symptoms of impairment but do not meet diagnostic criteria for a disorder. On the other hand, many individuals have unidentified and untreated mental health problems. Despite the stark nature of these statistics, it is heartening to know that mental health concerns are both preventable and treatable. To prevent and treat mental illnesses, one must set the foundation for the definition of health. Prevention encompasses not only the absence of disease but the state of wellness in all its forms. There is no health without mental health. An understanding of this complex relationship is essential to fostering everyone’s overall well-being.

Mental Health Matters!