How Are You Doing?

How are you? It's a simple question we all ask, most times simply to be cordial or out of habit. But when is the last time you asked this question of a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor with a genuine interest in their response? When was the last time someone asked this question of you and stopped to really hear your answer? As a mental health therapist, I ask this question in various forms daily. My job is to listen and help individuals process their feelings, both positive and negative. I also have the great responsibility of walking alongside them as they discover new paths to peace, happiness, and contentment. For me, it is not only a job, but a passion and a gift; not something I take lightly.

Although anyone can develop a mental health problem, African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African Americans include major depression, post traumatic stress, and suicide. Mental illness is frequently stigmatized and misunderstood in the African American community. African Americans are much more likely to seek help though their primary care doctors as opposed to accessing specialty care. Culture biases against mental health professionals and health care professionals in general prevent many African Americans from accessing care due to prior experiences with historical misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and a lack of cultural understanding. In the African American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. This lack of knowledge leads many to believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or some sort of punishment from God. African Americans may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with such conditions. Many African Americans also have trouble recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, leading to underestimating the effects and impact of mental health conditions. Because of the lack of information about mental health issues, it’s not always clear where to find help when you may need it, but help is available!

Every county in the state of Mississippi is divided into one of fifteen regions. Each region is equipped with a community mental health center where individuals can seek help for any mental health issue they may be facing. Services available usually include individual, family, and group therapy as well as medication management services by a medical professional trained in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In addition to community mental health, there are private practitioners available as well. Psychologytoday.com is just one site of many where you can find a mental health provider in your area. When selecting a provider, there are several factors to consider to ensure an increased likelihood of recovery. Your mental health provider will play an important role in your treatment, so make sure you can work with this person and that you communicate well together. Mention your beliefs, values and cultural characteristics. Make sure that they understand so that these things can be considered in the course of your treatment. Ask yourself if you are more comfortable with a male or female? How important is it for you that your faith is integrated into therapy? Ask questions of your potential counselor to get a sense of who they are, what experience they have, and how well you 'mesh' with them. If dealing with a counselor who is not African American, you may want to ask questions like: Have you treated other African Americans? Have you received training in cultural competence or on African American mental health? How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment? How do you plan to integrate my beliefs and practices in my treatment?

May is Mental Health Awareness month; there is no time better than the present to conquer your fears, stomp out stigma, and get help. If you have been battling alone, suffering in silence, seek help. If you know someone who deals with mental illness, your positive support can play a pivotal role in their recovery. Educate yourself and then educate others.

If you or someone you know has been contemplating suicide, you are not alone.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

If you or someone needs helps, call 1-877-210-8513

Copy and paste this link for a list of community mental health centers.

http://www.dmh.ms.gov/service-options/community-mh-centers/

For more information on resources for recovery, or find to support (whether for you or your loved one), visit www.nami.org