A Conversation on Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released their latest findings regarding mental health (2020 update).
1 in 5 U.S adults experience mental health illness each year
1 in 25 U.S adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S youth aged 6-17 experience mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Mental health is often seen as taboo in the Christian community and often amongst people of color. Can you talk through why this has been almost a forbidden subject?
People of color are reluctant to enter therapy and seek professional treatment because of several factors:
Cultural norms
Negative views of therapy,
Fear of discrimination
Family values
Handle it on their own/ won’t spill guts/ personal feelings/Private business
“Crazy”
Stigma/Judgment
Waste of money/too expensive/no insurance/won’t pay to talk/Luxury instead of a need.
Seeking help is a sign of weakness
Relatability-someone that understands.
The lack of knowledge about the mental health field
How can we debunk the myths and stigmas surrounding mental health?
What we’re doing right now- Talking about it- having an open conversation about the myths; one of them being the belief that mental health can be controlled with sheer willpower is not true. Mental illness is a disease and if people of color continue to feel that they must suffer through this burden without professional help, they can end up stuck in the cycle of pain.
If our congregation is representative of the U.S. population, statistics state that one in four households will struggle with someone’s mental health problems over their lifetime. That’s schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, or one of the various anxiety disorders. That means 1 in 4 households in this church has a loved one who struggles with mental health problems and they are afraid to say it.
How can (and when should) parents initiate conversations with their children about mental health?
My youngest client was 3 years old when I began seeing her. They are never “too young,” to discuss their feelings. Parents need to pay attention to changed behaviors. Listen, your children will tell you when they are hurting.
What would you say to someone who may feel that they need counseling but are too embarrassed to get help?
If you are hurting, or someone you know- call us. Reach out to a mental health professional. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You are not alone and you are worthy of getting the support you need, without judgment and worry about stigma. Come to a safe, confidential space, so we can listen without rejection or blame, and walk with you through your journey to healing.
Resources:
Suicide Hotline
Phone: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
800-826-3632
http://www.dbsalliance.org/
American Psychiatric Association
703-907-7300
www.psychiatry.org/
International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression
http://www.ifred.org/
National Institute of Mental Health
Phone Number: 301-443-4513
Toll Free Number: 1-866-615-6464