What does it truly mean to be healthy? My years as a nurse has taught me that being healthy is more than being a certain weight. Health should be looked at from a comprehensive approach, one that includes physical health and mental health. Without good mental health, you cannot be healthy.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Health 43.8 million adults experience mental illness in a given year and African American are 20% more likely to experience mental health problems than the general public. Therefore, we can no longer be silent about this epidemic.
It does not make you weak or insignificant if you need to seek help. I had an opportunity to interview Mrs. Felica Houston who is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. Felicia has more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field, earning a BA in Psychology and an MA in Human Development Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria Illinois. She is currently the Community Development Liaison for UChicago Medicine at Ingalls Hospital.
BDO: What are some myths about Mental Health in the black community that need to be addressed?
FH: There are many myths in the black community that need to be addressed.
- Black people don’t need help
- I don’t need help, I got Jesus. If I get help, then I