As Pervis Taylor approached his 35th birthday, he found himself at a crossroads in his career, eager to advance his impact as a mental health practitioner. During a visit from his mother that weekend, her mantra of “spirit, mind, and body” resonated deeply with him. Just days later, he came upon the same phrase on TC’s Clinical Psychology webpage, affirming his decision to pursue his graduate studies in the program.
“Mental resilience incorporates three things: the spirit, body and mind,” shares Taylor. “I’ve faced numerous challenges in life, and while I can’t shield others from hardship, graduating from TC has equipped me to empower young men and organizations with tools to navigate adversity.”
Taylor’s work is critical in light of recent findings from the American Psychiatric Association, which indicate that Black men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to their peers. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) reports that Black men are 20 percent more likely to experience serious psychological distress and face a suicide risk. These findings highlight the need for more open dialogue about men's mental health — an initiative that Taylor is committed to leading.
“My goal is to help men transition from merely surviving to truly thriving,” he shares.
Now the CEO of his own start-up, Averent Wellness, healing practitioner, emotional intelligence specialist, author and life coach, Taylor is sharing insights for men that have helped him cultivate mental resilience.
Being a TC alum has emboldened me to advocate for myself and others through a mental health lens in a way that I never was able to before.
1. Recognize Your Humanity
“Our culture promotes the idealization that men must be providers, leaders and show limited emotion. I want men to understand that we have the right to embrace our humanity instead of conforming to roles that don't resonate with who we truly are. Vulnerability should be celebrated, not ignored.”
His first book, Surthrival Mode, provides insights into how men can navigate trauma and embrace a full range of human emotions through the “4 A's:” acknowledgement, acceptance, articulation and alchemy. “Embracing your humanity means looking beyond societal expectations and caring for yourself first.”
2. Prioritize Self-Care and Connection
Taylor recommends creating a care plan that includes a healthy diet, exercise, self-reflection and meditation. “Self-care is a crucial, yet overlooked step in men’s wellness,” shares Taylor, citing how research has shown that self-care is clinically proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Men can also prioritize their mental health by creating a support network that may include therapists, peers, community groups, and cultivating “lifelines”; trusted relationships with friends, family and partners. “Authentic connection is what we need most as a society right now,” Taylor explains. “Everyone has something valuable to share, but many feel they lack the space to do so. It is vital for men to surround themselves with those who are ready to listen.”
3. “Heal Forward”
“Dr. Lisa Miller shared with me that healing is a continuous process, but it’s important to look forward with resilience,” he shares. His book, Heal Forward, reminds men that “healing is not always linear; it’s continual” and serves a roadmap for “wholeness” using the “4 V’s:” vision, verified (embracing your true self), voice and vulnerability.
“I want men to have a sense of agency for their lives — something I needed on my healing journey — and to know that joy is possible if we are intentional about our mental health. First and foremost, it's about you, that human soul — I want that person to be healed.”