By Dr. Will | The People’s Doctor
July is recognized as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges experienced by racial and ethnic minority communities while reminding us that mental health is important for everyone.
A person’s mental health is central to their overall well-being and quality of life. During times of uncertainty, inflation, and balancing the many stressors that come with everyday life, maintaining your mental health can become challenging.
For many years, mental health was considered a taboo topic within parts of the Black community. Phrases like, “Life is hard. Figure it out and keep moving,” often discouraged conversations about mental health. Too often, individuals feared they would be viewed as “weak-minded” – a stigmatizing label used to describe someone as mentally or emotionally incapable of handling life’s challenges for, simply, acknowledging they were struggling.
You see, part of the resilience and tolerance that many African Americans have built through generations of adversity is admirable. However, resilience should not be confused with what is mentally healthy and tolerable versus what deserves professional attention. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. Whether that means talking with a therapist or speaking with your healthcare provider about treatment options, including medication if appropriate, seeking help is a sign of strength – not weakness.
As relationships change, as we lose loved ones, or as our employment and financial situations change, each of these life events can affect our mental health in one way or another. Give yourself the time you need to grieve change or loss. Grief is personal, and no one can dictate what your healing process should look like.
By taking care of our mental health, we are better equipped to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities. We can also reduce the likelihood of our emotional struggles negatively affecting those around us, or even ourselves.
The reflection questions below are adapted from validated mental health screening tools, including the PHQ-9, and are intended to encourage self-reflection. They are not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional evaluation.
Take a moment to check in with yourself by asking:
- Have I been feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed more days than not?
- Have I lost interest in activities that I normally enjoy?
- Am I sleeping too much, too little, or struggling to get restful sleep?
- Have I noticed changes in my appetite or weight?
- Do I find myself withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities?
- Am I using alcohol, food, or other substances to cope with stress?
- Do I feel hopeful about tomorrow, or have I been feeling hopeless?
- If I needed help today, would I be willing to ask for it?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, consider speaking with a mental health professional or your healthcare provider. You do not have to carry the weight alone; it’s okay to get the help you need.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Healthy minds contribute to healthier families, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Stay well,
Dr. Will
*The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.*
Dr. Will, thanks for sharing and addressing this most pressing issue that is growing rapiantly in our communities. We need to graduate from these stigma that has held us captive, far too long and meet these mental challenges head on. There are so many tools that are assessable for us and to us, it’s time to free oneself from shame and embarrassment and attack these issues!!!!!