By: Maria-Paula

Mental health campaigner, self-published author and entrepreneur, George Johnson, on Saturday premiered, Double Crossed: The Documentary, in Richmond Virginia, his hometown, just in time for Men’s Health Month. His latest effort provides viewers with a transparent look into his ongoing mental health journey while also shedding light on how he continuously works to dismantle the stigma within the Black community

Double Crossed: The Documentary is the sequel to his memoir, Double Crossed, in which he shares his trauma to triumph story of overcoming multiple life-changing events. It encourages the importance of having mental health conversations with people of all ages.

The documentary also gives a real, raw, and uncut look into George’s story and healing progress from his point of view along with some of the most important people in his life.

The Legacy Newspaper recently communicated with Johnson in a Q&A forum.

Maria-Paula: When did the project begin and what prompted its inception?

George Johnson: I wanted to give my audience a real, raw and uncut look into my story and share how I’ve been able to manage my mental health battle.

The idea of doing this documentary actually started this past November as we were gearing up for 2023. It is inspired by my memoir, Double Crossed, which was released in February 2021. My team and I are always brainstorming ideas on how to continue the conversation within our community, while also staying true to who I am. 

Maria-Paula: What change do you hope this documentary will bring to viewers?

George Johnson: With this documentary, and my platform overall, I want to encourage people who may relate to me or my story to have those difficult conversations surrounding mental health.

Growing up as young Black men, it’s very common in our community to be told to “man up” or to not show emotion. It’s looked at as being weak, when in reality that’s false. I make it a point to show up as my authentic self to prove it’s ok to be vulnerable; it’s ok to discuss how you’re feeling; it’s ok to go to therapy.

Maria-Paula: Which strides have you made so far in working towards dismantling mental health stigma? Any viable statistics?

Coming from where I’m from and putting out a book that shed light on my mental health was definitely a conversation starter within my circle of friends and family. When I released the book, I didn’t realize it would lead to guys that I grew up with sharing with me what they were struggling with on a daily basis.

As I’ve shared my story on my social media, I’ve received over a hundred messages from men and women of all ages telling me that because I’ve been so transparent with my journey, it has inspired them to want to start their healing journey, whether that’s starting therapy, journaling, etc.

On a larger scale, I own 3 mental health outpatient facilities that have served over 2500 people in underserved communities throughout Virginia and Texas. Operating these programs has highlighted the continuing needs for these services within these communities.

Maria-Paula: Why is your focus on men of color in Virginia?

George Johnson: Since I was born and raised on the Northside of Richmond, I have a direct connection to the Black men in the city and understand how they think and operate which allows me to easily relate to them although it doesn’t just stop in VA.

I’m using my story to reach people across the country, both online and in real life. I actually just wrapped up a book tour making stops in Atlanta, Houston and Miami, where I was able to have those vulnerable and transparent conversations.

In addition to that, I recently started my school tour, where I’m speaking to high school and college students about the importance of protecting their mental health.

Maria-Paula: What do you think causes and/or triggers mental disorder especially among Virginia men?

George Johnson: Growing up in the inner city, there’s triggers everywhere you look – from the crime, drugs and the lack of resources.

A lot of these men don’t have a positive outlet to express themselves or don’t even know where to start. Instead, they internalize it or resort to what they see around them which may not always be positive. 

Maria-Paula: How is the project financed?

George Johnson: I’m proud to say this is a self-financed documentary.

Maria-Paula: How many staff work for/ in this project? How are they recruited?

George Johnson: One thing I’ve always done was look at the people around me and see how I can utilize their talents or expertise. With this project, that’s no different.

The director, Isaiah Robertson, has a few different roles within this project. Not only is he the director, but he’s also the videographer and editor. He and I connected while in college at Eastern Mennonite University after I learned he was from Richmond, too. Ever since then we’ve been locked in.

Maria-Paula: Can you share how people can get in touch if/when they have questions?

George Johnson: I’m very active on social media, especially my Instagram: @2xcrossed. You can definitely shoot me a message there. I’m always down to answer questions or to be a lending ear.

Maria-Paula: What is your projection for the future regarding mental health stigma?

George Johnson: The conversation around mental health is becoming more and more common these days and I only see that progressing.

A lot of athletes, artists and public figures are being vocal about their battles which helps to push the conversation forward. The more people see it’s not abnormal to discuss this, the more people will become open and transparent.

Johnson is actively working to improve statistics that indicate less than 27% of Black and Hispanic men aged 18 to 44 who experience daily feelings of anxiety and/or depression receive the necessary help to improve their mental health. Other men of color are hesitant typically due to the stigma associated with mental health.

Watch the full trailer on YouTube here.