ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Mental health is often a taboo topic in Black communities.
One Albany man aims to end the stigma and spark conversations surrounding mental health, especially with Black youth from underserved communities.
Inspired by his own struggles with depression, often feeling lost and defeated, 24-year-old Ja’Quan Riggins created Fueled By Pain, a mental health awareness brand and podcast that focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
“When you get back to those four walls in your home, in your place that you lay your head and you gotta dwell on those thoughts. That’s when mental health takes the biggest leap on you. That’s when you got those devils on your shoulders,” said podcaster Ja’Quan Riggins.
Riggins believes that Black and underserved communities often view mental health as a taboo topic because of the lack of resources available to them. It’s a privilege to have access to a mental health care professional and therapy sessions can cost hundreds of dollars.
“I’m trying to create a space where people can actively go and say ‘Hey. I need help. I want help. And this is where I am trying to be at,‘” continued Riggins.
Riggins says that Albany’s youth struggle with mental health the most. Between social media, television, and a lack of engaging activities, these kids are frequently exposed to negativity and crime. He is calling on the city to create mental health awareness programs for their youth.
“We need people actually taking the initiative to take these young kids out of what they are seeing every day. You know, the gangs, the violence, the drugs, the poverty rates, that makes a difference. Seeing your parents financially struggle, all that stuff plays a role in your mental health,” Riggins continued.
Ja’Quan Riggins says he and his brand will continue to host community events in an attempt to change the narrative surrounding mental health. To listen or to watch the Fueled By Pain podcast, click here.
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.