Shattering the Stigma: How Rwenshaun Miller ’16 is Bringing Mental Health Awareness to the Black Community and Beyond

August 23, 2026Rwenshaun MillerPrograms of study: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

By Emily Wells ’20

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, advancements in science and medicine are remarkable. Yet amidst this progress, mental health remains a neglected conversation, particularly within the Black community. Rwenshaun Miller, a proud graduate of Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies, is determined to change that narrative. Holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, he uses both his expertise and lived experience to foster meaningful dialogue around mental wellness.

Counseling wasn’t a path Rwenshaun envisioned for himself. After receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder during his freshman year of college, his world felt upended. “When I received that diagnosis, it scared me,” he recalls. “I was hospitalized… I felt like my world was turned upside down.” The stigma surrounding mental illness in his community compounded his struggle, leading him initially to self-medicate and attempt suicide multiple times. These dark moments ultimately sparked a resolve to seek proper treatment again and advocate for others facing similar battles.

Following therapy and medication, Rwenshaun launched Eustress, Inc.—a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and support. Balancing studies at the University of North Carolina with full-time employment, he found solace and purpose at Montreat College. “The collaborative atmosphere helped me grow,” he explains. “No two people have the same upbringing, and that diversity enriches our work as counselors.”

Through public events such as the annual ‘Let’s Talk About It’ walk—now in its third year—and educational workshops in schools, Rwenshaun empowers individuals to recognize early signs of mental distress. He emphasizes culturally sensitive approaches, especially for young Black males frequently misdiagnosed with ADHD or ODD due to oversimplified assumptions. “We must understand each person holistically,” he insists. “Their environment, family dynamics, and personal history shape their experiences.”

Technology plays a pivotal role in expanding his reach. Virtual sessions bridge geographic gaps, enabling rural residents to access professional guidance. “You can find your tribe online,” Rwenshaun notes. “Digital platforms allow connection beyond physical boundaries.” He also advocates for mindful tech usage, urging people to disconnect periodically to maintain mental equilibrium.

Recognition has poured in: features in The Huffington Post, Blavity, and podcasts highlight his impact. Author of “Injured Reserve: A Black Man’s Playbook for When Mental Illness Sidelines You,” he continues pursuing a Ph.D. at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Learn more at www.rwenshaun.com. Emily Wells ’20 is a communication major at Montreat College.