Imagine waking up in a panic, sweat dripping from your face. You are unsure of where you are or who you are. All of a sudden, you hear a voice calling your name even though you’re home alone. This has never happened before. What would you do? Most would keep it to themselves.
According to Sa’uda Dunlap, Assistant Director of Social Work at Kings County Hospital Center, the stigma of mental health in the African- American community is a major deterrent for seeking treatment.
“I've been treating people for 6+ years and it is at the top of the list when I explore concerns consumers and families have about treatment. Many African Americans fear that they will be labeled 'crazy' or will be 'locked up.' As a clinician, I use my initial contacts with consumers and families to address fears of being involuntarily hospitalized by explaining the difference between typical mental health challenges and “being crazy,’ including the role of insight and self-efficacy.”
Family can be a great support system but they can also be judgmental and the reason for the stigma. This largely occurs in the African-American community. With roots grounded in religion, many view it as something that should not be discussed.
A recent podcast on Huffington Post’s website asserts that over 66% of Protestants have never heard a sermon about mental health. The lack of education in the church community and in the African-American community is a key issue for the stigma in mental health.
READ: Black Mental Health: 3 Myths That Hurt Us
Open communication about mental health is imperative in eradicating the stigma that prevents many African Americans from receiving treatment.
Unfortunately, Dunlap does not think elimination is possible.
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“To some degree, stigma will remain--so I'm very hesitant to say that it can be eliminated…continued education about mental illness is important and can help to reduce stigma. One must be aware of the misinformation and stereotypes that are out there with regards to mental illness. I suggest that when a consumer is faced with stereotypes/ misinformation or find themselves thinking about them, they should try to remind themselves that they are not true.”
What can we do to be better advocates/stewards of mental health for ourselves and within community? The tips below provide a start.
1. If you see something, say something. It is not helpful to engage the complicity of silence around mental health issues and concerns, including substance abuse. This silence only furthers stigma and slows the process to accessing needed services.
2. Help/get help navigating insurance and other complicated policy. In the midst of mental health crisis, one’s cognitive and emotional capacities are overextended. Assistance reading and making meaning of the small print can be a great help.
3. Facilitate/ask for assistance making calls/appointments. Depending on the level of care needed, it is possible making the necessary calls to providers and/or scheduling/attending appointments can be overwhelming. If needed, ask for help and/or consider ways you or others may assist with these tasks.
4. Self-care. While being a support to another is important, you are only as helpful as you are well. Be sure that you engage your support networks and engage personal self-care practices, such as eating well and regularly, drinking enough water and getting adequate rest.
Being in treatment does not only mean medication or an inpatient stay in a psych ward. It means addressing family issues, problems on the job, or even suppressed childhood abuse.
Of course, chemical imbalances, drug use and other organic stimulants may cause mental illness and may require medication but a lot of times those who are diagnosed are just hurting and require some understanding.
MUST READ: Black Mental Health: 3 Myths That Hurt Us
Early treatment can mean a normal life for patients suffering with mental illness. As a family member it is okay to sit down with the loved one and just ask, “What is going on?” Avoid judgmental words like, “crazy” or “stupid.” Offer to go to a counseling session with them to show support.
If you are a person who feels like something may be wrong, don't be afraid to discuss it with a doctor. In order to ensure total body health, the mind has to be taken care of as well.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Mental Health center for more articles.
Jan Crewe is a freelance writer, editor and author. Inspired by her experiences, Jan compiled several original heart-wrenching stories to create the series, Passage to Heaven. For more of her work, click here.
