Mental Health and the Black Community

March/April 2022 issue of Daisy magazine is now available.

www.magzter.com/p/daisy.

Mental Health and the Black Community.

Mental Illness has for too long been frowned up in the #blackcommunity . Too many #blackpastors and #blackchurchleaders have been flippant about it, sweeping it under the carpet, and not treating it with the level of urgency and concern as they would have a physical illness.

Many have called it demonic, a sin to be prayed away. So much so they ostracize their congregants and yes, family members too, who are stricken with mental illness. Their recklessness and often times ignoramus behavior have caused many to choose to suffer in silence, rather than risk being mocked and ridiculed. Their wanton disregard for the complex nature of mental illness and the ostracization of patients, have led to untold suffering and sadly, death by suicide of many of their congregants and loved ones.

The #stigma is destroying people who need mental health care, not ridicule. Many people have contributed to the mental illness of their loved ones and or acquaintances. Mental illness, diagnosed and undiagnosed, treated or untreated affects us all, directly or indirectly. If we are not ourselves so afflicted, we know someone who is.

#stopthestigma . Resources are available.

NAMI-NYC 212-684-3264