Dr. Nina Joy Mena, affectionately known as Dr. NJoy, is leading a much-needed conversation around mental health in communities of color. Based in Atlanta, this dynamic psychiatrist, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker has made it her mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness, especially within the Black community.
With double board certifications in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. NJoy’s expertise spans both clinical excellence and heartfelt advocacy. She holds medical licenses in twelve states and serves as an educator and leader in psychiatric medicine. Her academic contributions include serving as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Associate Program Director of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Morehouse School of Medicine. She continues to share her wisdom as Adjunct Faculty at both Morehouse and Emory University School of Medicine.
Through her company NJoy LIFE—Living In Full Empowerment, LLC—Dr. NJoy delivers tools, insights, and encouragement to those navigating mental wellness journeys. Her podcast Journey to Joy Live amplifies messages of resilience and healing, while her writing offers a tangible path toward self-discovery and emotional restoration. Her therapeutic journal, NJoyNAL: Nurturing Authentic Living, introduces readers to the INSPIRE-Joy Method—a framework built around intentional living and emotional empowerment. Her latest book, Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing It All Without Losing Yourself, combines personal narrative with professional insight for high-achieving women who often feel invisible in their own lives.
Dr. NJoy’s personal story is one of purpose and perseverance. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the toll of untreated mental illness and substance abuse within her family. These experiences—and the cultural silence surrounding them—inspired her to become a solution-bearer. “My life’s mission is to inspire joy in others,” she says. “Even my name—NJoy—is a reminder that we can choose joy, even in the face of stress, trauma, and adversity.”
She’s also a firm believer in the power of balance. “I believe in work-life balance so much, I literally wrote the book on it!” she shares with a smile. Her own self-care practice includes running, which she calls her “therapy and reset.” Having completed 43 half-marathons and 9 full marathons (including 4 international races), she knows the healing power of movement. Beyond fitness, she emphasizes the importance of boundaries, rest, and connection—be it through family adventures, solo trips, or quality time with her husband.
Still, she acknowledges the unique mental health barriers facing minority communities. “One of the biggest challenges is access—not just to services, but to culturally affirming care,” she explains. “People need providers who understand racial trauma, systemic inequities, and the nuances of our lived experiences.” She also cites stigma as a major obstacle. “In many communities of color, mental health is still seen as taboo or weakness. People are told to just pray about it or be strong—so they suffer in silence.”
As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. NJoy continues to champion sisterhood, service, and mental liberation. Her journey is a testament to what happens when purpose meets preparation and passion meets healing.
Follow Dr. NJoy on Instagram at @dr.njoy.life and discover how you, too, can live in full empowerment.
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