July 2023 Health Tip

July 2, 2023

 
In July we observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to shed a light on the need for mental health education in our community. Living as a person of color in America, there are issues in our everyday life that may cause stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
 
Mental health happens in all races and socioeconomic groups, but our communities are affected more due to our history. Even though we make up 13.6 % of the U.S. population, we make up 38% of the prison population. Black people with mental health conditions are more likely to be in jail or prison than people of other races. The police officers in our communities are not properly trained to manage people with mental illness, and this results in injury and/or death of people with mental illness. Also, people of color with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder make up a sizable percentage of our homeless population.
 
People of color are less likely to seek mental health services than other ethnic groups, and this must change. As Christians we are taught to pray when are anxious or depressed. We pray for those who are grieving, but be aware that grief can turn into depression, and depression into substance abuse and other forms of self-harm. We must realize that sometimes along with prayer, we must be willing seek professional help if we just cannot shake our feelings of depression. The symptoms of depression are inability to sleep or sleeping most of the day away; poor appetite or overeating; isolation yourself from family and friends; tearfulness or feelings of despair lasting more than 3-4 days. If someone you know exhibits signs of depression, continued anxiety, or has behavior that does not seem quite right, please encourage them to contact the mental health crisis service line (800) 715-4225. The staff can talk to them and give them referrals to mental health clinicians. If you have a family member who is a danger to you or themselves, instead of calling 911, call 9988 -It might save a life.