Insights from Hollywood's Mental Health Expert
The Unsinkable team had an opportunity to connect with Dr. Kojo Sarfo back in November 2021. The following piece was written by Tracy Hall following the interview.
What is your story, or journey, that led you to becoming the Hollywood mental health expert?
I was working back in Virginia doing forensic psychiatry; and, I got to a point where it was a little uncomfortable because I realized that I was enjoying social media a little bit more than my job. I care(d) for the patients, but I realize that there's another way to care for people, online. (And since) I’d been wanting to move to L.A. for years, I decided that I was going to take the leap of faith. To come out to Hollywood and educate, but in a fun way. When I was in school, it was kind of difficult to learn. I thought to myself, if I had to spend 1,000,000 all nighters to understand what panic disorder is, then how can the general public understand that, you know. So my goal was to condense (the information) to educate people here in Hollywood, and around the world, about mental health, using short videos with trendy songs. I figured that was the best way for me to reach people.
The digital space has changed how we access mental health information. How do you feel you've influenced that change; and, what are your hopes for the future?
I feel like I've influenced change just by making people aware of certain things that they probably weren't aware of (before); and, the steps on how to go seek help. When you give people knowledge, that might serve as the catalyst to them going to get help, which can be life changing. It’s been very interesting looking through DMs and seeing what people have told me. It’s actually kind of mind boggling to see that a video will mean that much to somebody. And in terms of where I plan to go with mental health (content), I'm going to keep talking; whether it's through a skit, a song, a dance, making a speech, or doing stand up comedy. I'm always looking to figure out a new way to say it a little differently, (because) somebody who doesn't really care about mental health, but they're interested in a specific topic, can be reached. You just have to be creative with how you put the information out there. People have been talking about mental health for decades. I'm not the first and I won't be the last.
From the perspective of a content creator, what are your thoughts on the potential of the social space?
Anything is possible. People are able to reach their favourite content creator, access information, and maybe even get to meet them (content creators) or maybe get a reply back. (With) human interaction at an all time low, people are really struggling, looking for anywhere where they're accepted. So if they're able to watch a video, or just be in the comments section, in conversations, this might be their safe space.
When it comes to content creation, in particular, addressing taboo areas of mental health, what’s your approach?
Certain topics are definitely harder to talk about. I have been talking about eating disorders on TikTok. And if you hashtag, bulimia, they won't let you. I try to do it and search it and TikTok took me to a hotline for eating disorders. I definitely don't want it violate any community guidelines, so I'm mindful of how I put things out there. Whether it's eating disorders, domestic violence, or suicide prevention, I want to talk about these things. I stand with TikTok and I understand why they do that. They have to do that because people are going through it and are looking for answers. And sometimes people don't have the resources to go and get professional help, so people will turn to social media platforms to look at this information.The companies have to do their best to protect youth and anybody who's struggling. I definitely understand, even if my video is flagged. I'm not going to be upset if the video has a lot of views and it gets taken down or flagged. I like to talk to my contacts at TikTok (to ask), ‘hey, what can I do to make this video better?’. I've been in on some of the meetings, to see what they're looking for. It doesn't frustrate me because I know that they're trying to protect (people) and liability is complicated.
What are you noticing within the Black community, when it comes to discussions about mental health?
I've noticed a lot. In the middle of the pandemic I was working so many hours I found a therapist for the first time. (When) I told my older sister, that conversation started of with her being worried for me; and ended with her saying 'oh, maybe I need to see a therapist because I need to work through some things’. It made it okay to talk about it within our family. Within the Black community, we don't talk about it nearly enough but I’m paying attention, keeping my ear out to what's going on in the media and pop culture. I see athletes talking a little bit more about it. Like my favourite football player Pacman Jones (Adam Bernard "Pacman" Jones), who used to play for the Titans. He was talking about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder late in life. To see him talk about that, on TV, on YouTube, was big because we don't speak about that.
And what about within the health care community, what are those mental health discussions like?
In health care, people are talking about burnout. You go to school to become a nurse, doctor, registered therapist or pharmacist. Whatever the case may be, you're expected to work for 40 or 50 years. And burnout looks a lot like depression and people don't have the guts to say I don't want to do the job anymore; I can't mentally manage it; or, maybe I've grown accustomed to a lifestyle which requires bringing in this amount of income every month. Putting out these videos and talking about my experience, like leaving my job and going into the world of social media, a complete unknown, as opposed to a guaranteed check every two weeks, I think it's inspiring. I've had health care professionals, like my adjunct professor, reached out on Instagram saying that she's low and wondering what else she could do. It shows that people (can) have more than one interest and it's okay to not want to be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a pharmacist for 30, 40, or 50 years. You have to follow the things that make you happy and where you feel like you're making an impact. I think COVID has made a lot of us more honest. I've seen people not lying anymore; telling the truth about where they are in their careers, (and) how they feel about themselves. I think it's a beautiful thing. If you're stuck at a job where you're taking care of patients and you don't want to be there, patients will tell. And I think that's one of the many things wrong with the system right now. I've seen patients in the psych ward, or the mental hospital, say, so-and-so doesn't care about this job, and they're right; but, I can't say they’re right, that that person doesn't care because I have to maintain professionalism. A lot of times I look at the health care worker they're referring to and they’re in a state of apathy. They're just kind of going through the motions for a cheque. And you can’t judge them because you don't know what's going in their life. At the same time, when you're given the task of taking care of somebody and they’re at their most vulnerable, that's a big responsibility, we have to make sure that we're prepared to do that. So it’s important to look in the mirror and really ask ourselves: where am I; what do I need, to get to the position where I can be my best?
Outside of giving medical advice, what does supporting your health care colleagues or viewers look like?
It depends on what's going on. One of my colleagues, working back in Virginia, told me that she was so swamped because we were getting patients from everywhere and so many admissions. (Consequently) she blanked out while driving (home) and got lost because she was so consumed with work. When that's going on, it’s time to think - okay am I going to look for a different job? So I'll tell them, I always try and put aside some extra money in case the hospital doesn’t want me anymore; staying prepared. Honestly, in November (2020), I spent every day scheming of how to get to L.A. I was looking at bank statements and at how much I saved. I was planning and preparing to leave because I knew that I wasn't happy working within that capacity. I loved the job, I still miss my coworkers and the patients, but I didn't want to work full time like that. Physically at the hospital and then trying to make videos. It was tough for me. So I planned an exit strategy. I showed up (in Hollywood) and I didn't work for like four or five months. I was just taking notes on how to make better videos And burnout takes a while to recover from. So I give people examples of what they can do. (When) people can’t leave their job because of financial reasons. I'm like, can you get a cheaper car? Can you downsize your house or your apartment? Can you live with your parents, your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend? How can you cut costs? Or how can you find something else that you enjoy? You have to try different things. Somebody said embarrassment is a cost of entry. (If) you want to try videos, you have to be willing to be embarrassed. Be able to try different things to figure out, I like this or, I don't like that. You have to try, at least. “Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you aren't willing to look like a foolish beginner, you'll never become a graceful master.” - Ed Latimore
How do you support yourself?
I rely on the people around me, my siblings (and) family members. (They) pick up on trends, how I operate and how I act. And sometimes if I’m just not feeling it, I’ll just shut the day down. So, not working or making anymore videos; taking a day or two break. I did that a couple of days ago and I finished up season three of You on Netflix. You need a break sometimes.
What makes somebody unsinkable?
The thing that makes somebody unsinkable is a willingness to run towards what you're afraid of. I want to run towards that thing (because) I don’t want to be at the mercy of the fact I can’t do X, Y or Z. It's kind of like an athlete. Let's say they're good at everything, but can't shoot three pointers. Other teams will zone in on the fact that they have that one glaring weakness. That person will be forced to work on their skills. I think you boost your confidence when you fail a couple of times, (because) you're going to realize what you’re good at and what you're not good at. I think it takes courage to put yourself out there. Like anytime you post a video, talk to a news outlet, have articles written about you, or go on TV you're putting a piece of yourself out there. You don't know how it's going to be interpreted. So just putting yourself out there makes you unsinkable. It's not outcome based. The fact that you tried, it’s going to allow you to figure out what you are actually good at. I think that type of attitude, that tenacious spirit, would make somebody unsinkable.
Does anyone in your life exemplify being unsinkable? Can you describe them?
Both my parents. Coming from Ghana, they’ve never been too prideful to take jobs to help us out. They work at the gas station. They were janitors for many years before they went back to school. My siblings, I'm inspired by them. (For example) my two younger brothers, one of them is 19 and he wants to be a dentist. I like his work ethic. My youngest brother, who's 16, he does music. He likes rap and I'm impressed by him because he's putting out music to the world at age 14/15. I didn't have the confidence at that stage, to do anything close to what I'm doing now, or even what he's doing. Really I look everywhere for inspiration. People DM and update me on how they've been throughout the year. They've gone through grief, loss, or trauma and for them to keep going, that’s inspiring for me. At every point, every angle, and anytime I meet somebody, I'm just watching people. People who are running towards their dreams, or people who are struggling but refuse to quit. I need inspiration every single day to be my best self and to put out content. I'm looking all around me for inspiration.
What's bringing you joy in your life?
Hearing from my family members because I'm in LA and they're split between Georgia and Tennessee. Just making sure they're okay, makes me feel very happy; and close friends. I love watching football on Sundays. My team is the Tennessee Titans. I haven’t missed a game in like 20 something years, I love football; that's an an activity by myself. My favourite baseball team (Atlanta Braves) just won the World Series, which is surreal. Watching sports is huge for me. Sometimes it’s simple things like taking my dog to the dog park, going to the gym, and playing basketball. I've learned that life is really about relationships and about people. Sometimes, I struggle with having to be in the moment and taking care of all of the things, I have to take care of, but then you do that, so you can spend time with your people. And even some people who've been following me for years, I know them on a first name basis and what they're going through because we've developed that relationship through the internet. Relationships are very important for me.
We can’t wait to see your upcoming work and resulting impact. Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you.
……………………………………………………………………………
Dr. Kojo Sarfo, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a social media content creator, mental health nurse practitioner, and psychotherapist with over two million followers on all of his social media channels (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, Triller). He posts skits, songs, and videos in order to bring people togethe and to promote mental health awareness. On social media, he uses relevant trends and popular music to educate individuals about mental health conditions and the importance of self-care. Dr. Sarfo is also the author of an Amazon best-selling book entitled “You Already Won". He also is working on a second book, which will be a mental health workbook! He is also the host of Late Night w/ Dr. Kojo - which is a daily live show that streams primarily on Facebook on Mondays-Thursdays at 6pm PST/9pm EST.
Feeling inspired? You can connect with Dr. Kojo Sarfo here:
Unsinkable Storytelling Author: Dr. Kojo Sarfo [written by Tracy Hall]