BROKIN: MENTAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR MEN OF COLOR

US vs THEM: Mental Health Month and Black Mental Health Awareness Month

People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit~ Bebe Moore Campbell

Did you know that May i s Mental Health Awareness month and that July is Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month? This is something that I’m sure not many people are aware of. Mental Health is a taboo topic that is very seldom discussed in the black community. This could be due to religious beliefs being so strong and often times someone may not believe that a Black person could suffer from any sort of mental illness. Speaking from personal experience, there were times in my past where my Mental Health was not at its greatest and instead of being encouraged to seek medical treatment, I was told to simply pray about it and go to church. While I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer, I also believe that medical attention is also very necessary when it comes to mental health. So, throughout this post I will shed some light and information on Mental Health Awareness and what it means to People of Color.

When battling a mental illness, it can take a drastic toll on your life and even overall health. The longer it goes untreated the more permanent damage you are making to your body. And might I add having mental illness while living through this COVID-19 global pandemic does not make things any easier. In fact, some people who never had mental health issues before may now find themselves battling issues such as anxiety or depression due to the added stress of the global pandemic. According to Dr. Ifeanyi Ufondu, founder of BroKin Mental Health Solutions for Men of Color, racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments and more likely to receive lower quality care. SAMHSA Statistics show that in 2017 suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans ranging in age from 15 to 24. The suicide death rate for African American men was more than four times greater that for African American women. The overall suicide rate for African Americans is 60 percent lower than that of the non-Hispanic white population. African American females in grades 9-12th were 70 % more likely to attempt suicide in 2017 as compared to non-Hispanic white females of the same age.

Various factors can contribute to a person’s mental health. Dealing with the global pandemic as well can heighten issues. Issues such as homelessness, children, people with existing mental health conditions, substance users, and even disability.

Do you find yourself filled with mixed emotions during the day or at night? This is a common stress factor and during a global pandemic it can be heightened.

1. Do you fear or worry about your own health or the health of loved ones?
2. Do you suffer from difficulty sleeping or concentrating?
3. Have you noticed an increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs?
4. Have there been changes in your sleep or eating patterns?

Issues such as these can happen at any time and should not be ignored or taken lightly.

As someone who still battles with anxiety and depression, I want to share with you from experience some tips and suggestions on how to properly take care of and treat your mental illness in order to have the best mental health:

1. Identify and accept that you have a mental illness.
2. Seek medical attention.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
6. Make time for yourself. Do something you enjoy doing!!
7. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY!!! You only get one body and it should be treated like a temple. Take care of it to the best of your ability!

It is very important for People of Color to let go of all the negative connotations that come with seeking professional help when it comes to mental health. Remember in order to be the best you for those you love, you must take the time to love yourself and do what needs to be done to be the best YOU for YOURSELF!!!

~Love & Light