Co-Creator Of #YouGoodMan Speaks On Sparking A Long Overdue Conversation About Black Men & Mental Health

Dayna Lynn Nuckolls/Photo: TyKeith L. Nelson, Facebook
Sometimes all it takes is for one of us to say “we’re not ok and we need help” for the rest of us to step up and do the same. Kid Cudi’s recent Facebook post disclosing his suicidal tendencies and decision to enter into rehab gave many a second look at their own mental health status .
Most of us ask, “how are you doing?,” but how many of us are really good?
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The hashtag #YouGoodMan was created on Twitter by two friends, Dayna Lynn Nuckolls (@DaynaLNuckolls), artist and songwriter from Chicago, and @TheCosby, to address what’s really good with our Black men. Last Wednesday Dana Lynn suggested to her friend @TheCosby that they name the hashtag #YouOkBruh.
Can we start a new hashtag for Black men's mental health #YouOkBruh? I hope folks don't feel it's appropriated. @TheCosby
— Dayna Lynn Nuckolls (@DaynaLNuckolls) October 5, 2016
@TheCosby opted for #YouGoodMan and on October 5th the idea took off with a sea of posts and retweets.
We probably need something else #YouGoodMan https://t.co/eI29zOdHUN
— No Relation (@TheCosby) October 5, 2016
#YouGoodMan is for Black Men to confess, ask for help, vent, or get pointed in the direction of mental health professionals. @TheCosby
— Dayna Lynn Nuckolls (@DaynaLNuckolls) October 5, 2016
Black men and their supporters have flooded the Twitter world with their honest posts supporting the #YouGoodMan movement.
I've dealt with depression and anxiety issues over the years and I never really talk about because I know how people react #yougoodman
— No Relation (@TheCosby) October 5, 2016
I know how it is to not be able to talk to those you love. To get hit with a "man up" when you can't even get out of bed. #YouGoodMan
— No Relation (@TheCosby) October 5, 2016
I'm here for #YouGoodMan. We got you. We love you. https://t.co/vJwkoq9lbG
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) October 5, 2016
To all black men battling depression it is OK to not be OK! You don't have to participate in the masquerade brothers. Be you #YouGoodMan
— Fact Turner (@_Uncensorable) October 5, 2016
Black men feel anxiety. Black men feel depression. Black men feel sadness. Black men feel rage. Black men feel and that's ok. #YouGoodMan
— Jeffery Allen (@PsychoBabble_06) October 5, 2016
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dayna Lynn Nuckolls to learn the full story behind #YouGoodMan how do we continue asking #YouGoodMan from here.