Story and Photo by MIKE LEE
SSEU Local 371 member Cynthia Timms serves the public in her role as a peer counselor at Metropolitan Hospital where she’s been a part of the Assertive Community Team (ACT) since January 2020, connecting those in need with emotional support and resources.

Her service to the community extends well beyond the workplace. She also produces and hosts the cable access show “Mental Health and You,” which airs on Bronxnet the first Thursday of every month. Timms leverages her life experiences, including those as a writer, photographer, and public speaker, to inspire others and help eliminate the stigma of mental health, especially in communities of color.

Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Timms honed her skills in her church as a founding member of the National Action Network Photo Club, as a regular in the city’s poetry circuit in the 1990s, and while studying photography in Paris and New York.

She earned a BA in Liberal Arts from CCNY, an MBA in Media Management from the Metropolitan College of NY, and a Certificate in Film from NYU. She then went on to work for the late documentary filmmaker William Miles.

After experiencing periods of deep grief following the death of close relatives and friends, she was introduced to the growing field of mental health peer support and eventually became certified in the field, which changed the trajectory of her life. Unlike social workers, peer specialists are encouraged to utilize their lived experiences to help others.

“We are living experiences of hope,” Timms said. “It’s rewarding and challenging at the same time but always worth it. It brings a sense of hope to those we serve, knowing someone cares for them even at their lowest is inspiring.”

As the years progressed, she began to think of ways to combine her interests in communications and peer support. In 2019, she became a certified access producer with Bronxnet, and the show “Mental Health and You” was born soon after.

Psychologists Local 1189 President Dr. Leonard Davidman served as program director at Metropolitan Hospital where Timms works.

“When Cynthia told me about ‘Mental Health and You’, I was blown away by her talent and fascinating interview style,” Davidman said. “I binge-watched the show on YouTube and was mesmerized. If you are interested in mental health and creative arts, watch her show.”

Going forward, Timms wishes to expand the show to speak about mental health from a global perspective.

“I still get anxious before each taping and must find ways to calm down before the camera comes on,” Timms said. “Usually I say a quick prayer and think about a lesson from someone or somewhere that touched me. Then I think about how, in this moment, I have the chance to touch others in return and my anxious heart calms down.”

Watch “Mental Health and You” on Bronxnet, Manhattan Neighborhood Network and YouTube.