July 2025 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey |  July 1, 2025

 
 
July 1 marks the start of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues affecting minority populations. During this month, we can come together to break down stigmas surrounding mental health, and spread knowledge about available resources for mental health issures.
 
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, yet we are less likely to initiate treatment, and more likely to end treatment prematurely. Christians with mental illnesses have a unique struggle due to our belief system. We believe God’s promises and cling to our faith as a source of strength in the midst of grief, chronic illness or other issues which may lead to depression or other mental illnesses.
 
Personal faith (including prayer) is a necessary and God ordained means to help ease symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. Studies show that a combination of treatment options - including therapy, psychiatric care, a personal prayer life, and strong support system, provide the greatest reduction of symptoms and long-term stability. We all have times when our mood is low, and through frequent private prayer we can typically overcome these feelings.  But when days or weeks go by without improvement, a believer should not feel ashamed or less faithful when choosing to seek professional help. We would never encourage someone with cancer to forgo medical treatment in favor of prayer alone. As Christians, our support, encouragement, and prayers for people struggling with depression and other forms of mental illness is key to improving mental health in our community. Attend a mental health event in your local area that focus on mental health and minority populations. Reach out to a friend or family member who may be struggling with their mental health. Let them know that you are there to listen and that you care .For access to services and immediate crises help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) AT 800-715-4225