In a cultural moment where vulnerability is slowly being reclaimed as strength, Dr. Camilla Harris stands at the forefront of a movement that is both urgent and deeply personal. As the founder of JustUs, MH Foundation, she is leading a nationwide effort to bring visibility, resources, and compassion to men’s mental health, particularly within Black communities where silence has too often been the norm.
At the core of Dr. Harris’ message is a powerful redefinition of strength. From childhood, many boys are conditioned to believe that emotions should be hidden. Phrases that discourage emotional expression often follow them into adulthood, shaping how they process pain.
The consequences are far reaching. Without healthy outlets, many men turn to harmful coping mechanisms such as substance use, anger, or withdrawal. Dr. Harris challenges this narrative by reframing vulnerability as courage and honesty as strength.
True strength, she emphasizes, is knowing when to ask for help.
What inspired you to focus your advocacy specifically on men’s mental health?
My inspiration came from a deeply personal and devastating loss, the suicide of my father. Losing him shattered me in ways I never knew were possible. I was left with grief so heavy I could barely breathe. But in the midst of that pain, something shifted. Through my grief, I found purpose. I could not bear the thought of another family feeling that same loss. I realized that men, especially Black men, are suffering in silence and dying in silence. I decided then that I would dedicate my life to changing that narrative and creating spaces where men feel safe to say, I am not okay. That is when I decided to dedicate my life to advocating for men’s mental health, so that no more fathers, brothers, or sons have to struggle alone.
What are some of the most common challenges men face when it comes to seeking mental health support?
The most common challenges include stigma, fear of being perceived as weak, lack of culturally competent care, and limited access to resources. Many men are taught from a young age to man up and suppress their emotions. Financial barriers and a lack of male friendly mental health spaces also prevent men from reaching out.
How do you believe societal expectations impact men’s willingness to open up about their mental health?
Societal expectations are one of the biggest barriers. From childhood, boys are told things like boys do not cry or be a man. These messages condition men to believe that vulnerability is a weakness rather than a strength. As a result, many men suffer in isolation, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use, anger, or withdrawal instead of seeking help. Changing these expectations requires us to redefine what strength truly looks like and strength is knowing when to ask for help.
What advice would you give to men who are struggling but hesitant to seek help?
I would say this. It is ok to be vulnerable. You are human. Reaching out is one of the bravest things you can do. Start small. Talk to someone you trust, whether it is a friend, a family member, or a mentor. You do not have to have all the answers. You just have to take the first step. Also, know that healing is not a straight line. Be patient with yourself. And remember, seeking help is not just for you. It is for everyone who loves you and needs you here.
Dr. Camilla Harris is not just advocating for awareness. She is building a movement grounded in empathy, access, and cultural understanding. Through JustUs, MH Foundation, she is ensuring that men are no longer left to navigate their struggles alone.
Her work is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a story, a family, and a future that deserves care and protection.
She is shifting the narrative from silence to healing, and in doing so, she is changing lives across generations.
Images Courtesy of Dr. Camilla Harris
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