{"id":2102,"date":"2016-07-18T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2016-07-18T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.eimpactconsulting.com\/?p=2102"},"modified":"2016-07-18T08:00:45","modified_gmt":"2016-07-18T12:00:45","slug":"mental-illness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eimpactconsulting.com\/mental-illness\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Illness and People of Color"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mental Illness and People of Color:\u00a0No Need to Suffer in Silence<\/h2>\n

Because the month of July is nationally recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month<\/a>, I am not going to talk about marketing or public relations tips this week. Instead, I think that is it important to discuss the frequently swept-under-the-rug issue of mental illness. Bebe Moore Campbell, an African-American author and advocate, co-founded the National Alliance of Mental Illness’ Urban-Los Angeles Chapter. She personally understood the effects of mental illness and dedicated her life to destigmatizing it in communities of color. This post is dedicated to her.<\/p>\n

Mental illness, which some consider embarrassing, unnatural or even ungodly, is a treatable, medical condition that should not be ignored. And, treatment is not always pharmaceutical in nature. In fact, healing can frequently be found in the form of increased understanding, improved diet or regular exercise. But, if after careful consideration and evaluation, medication is needed, take it. When on medication, work with your doctor to heal yourself. As a team, be sure to evaluate and recalibrate regularly.<\/p>\n

In recent years, several celebrities and athletes publicly shared their mental-illness struggles and opened the door for public conversation. Heisman-award winning running back and former NFL player, Herschel Walker, suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID) and said in an interview with ESPN \u201cI feel the greatest achievement of my life will be to tell the world my truth.” Walker is not alone in opening up and sharing his story. Latina actresses Salma Hayek and Eva Longario both struggled with depression. Additionally, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone revealed her recent struggle with depression and anxiety.\u00a0Mental illness does not discriminate. Yet, communities of color tend to ignore it.<\/p>\n

Why do we keep quiet?<\/h2>\n

“Suck it up,\u201d \u201cwalk it off\u201d or \u201cpray about it.\u201d Good advice? We smile, raise families and participate in community activities, yet suffer through life when unable to freely address our mental health needs. Folks frequently dismiss mental illness as not a \u201creal\u201d health problem.\u00a0 This dismissal forces people to internalize their issues and ignore remedies, thereby creating a series of adverse effects.\u00a0 These effects can be tragic if ignored.<\/p>\n

With the passing of Lee Thompson Young from the hit television show Rizzoli & Isles<\/em>, Titi Branch of the popular, hair-care company, Miss Jessie\u2019s and talent agent, Eury Davis to suicide, it is clear that we need to openly and freely engage in conversations about mental health and mental illness. \u00a0Talk with family members, friends or loved ones about your mental troubles.<\/p>\n

Much of our silence stems around cultural norms and lack of healthcare.<\/p>\n

Did you know?<\/h2>\n