mental health

The podcast discusses the lack of mental health support in the black community. The speaker shares personal experiences and explains that many black people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms instead of seeking therapy. Historical mistrust of medical professionals, media representation, feeling judged, and racial bias in healthcare contribute to this issue. The speaker calls for action to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, has access to quality mental healthcare. They emphasize the importance of addressing mental health to break the cycle of trauma and improve overall well-being. They also provide a resource, the crisis hotline, for anyone in need of support. Hello ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending the Controversial Chronicles Podcast. Here we choose to discuss unfiltered and raw discussions that are famed today. Before we begin, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Sherelle, I am a mother of four, and I was born in Worden, Texas. Today's topic will be about mental health support among the black community. During the 30 short years of my life, I have never seen or heard a black person say, I'm going to therapy, I'm going to see a psychologist, or even, I need help. What I have heard was, oh, I need a stiff drink, or I need a blunt. What I saw was somebody getting mad and playing fighting music. Also, somebody getting heartbroken and playing, I bust the windows out your car. Don't judge me, but I'm also guilty of playing songs that match my mood, and no, in my opinion, it doesn't work. Before we dive deep into the discussion of why black people don't reach out for mental health support, let's first establish the meaning of mental health. According to psychologist Zoe Arias, mental health is a state of well-being. It's the ability to function and contribute to society while dealing with the stress of life. This statement made me evaluate myself and how I deal with that substance, or receiving a bad grade, or my response to losing a job, or losing someone I love. It's so easy to say what you would do until you're in that situation. I deal with my stress of life by eating a lot of junk food. I love ice creams. I love cookies. I like to listen to music, and I will often isolate myself and pray. The real question is, how do you function and deal with the stress of life? Depression and struggling to function while dealing with the hardships of life doesn't discriminate against any race or culture. However, it turns out that only 25% of black people seek mental health treatment compared to 40% of white people. I know you guys are wondering, why? It's not that hard, right? So let's dive into it. Legends say the relationship between medical professionals and black people didn't start off on their best foot. It traced back to slavery. One instance is Dr. Sims. He's known as the father of gynecology. He strapped women to the table and performed painful experiments on them without sedation. There's also a lack of trust. From 1932 to 1972, black men were under-informed that they were getting syphilis injected into them for a medical experiment. They were told the shot was to treat a blood disorder. While the cure was present, they held back, and 28 people have perished. 40 spouses have been diagnosed with syphilis, and it has passed to 19 children at birth. Some of you may be saying, why is it important? It's the past. Well, the reason why is because the past helps give us the perception from the doctors and the blacks. Then we have the media that brings to the surface the mistreatment of black people in a healthcare environment. Hearing stories over the news increases the mistrust and the likelihood of someone reaching out for help. Here is a story from PBS interviewing black people who experienced abuse from doctors. This year, black Americans have faced discrimination and even abuse by medical professionals throughout our country's history. And in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, these problems have only been magnified. First, we hear from Americans who have directly experienced medical discrimination. And then Yamiche Alcindor speaks with a doctor who has studied this painful legacy. The media is a very powerful and persuasive tool. Oftentimes, there is more negative posted than good. I really do wish some positive interactions between physicians and minorities were brought to light, because they are present. It's just not publicized in the media. There is also the feeling of being judged. Because of this reason, they would rather rely on friends, family, community, and spiritual support than get the help that they need. Another reason is not being taken seriously. For example, when a black person expresses their concern, it's sometimes not taken seriously. A black man being in pain is not conceived in the same way as a white man being in pain. The argument from doctors is that white and black people are biologically made different. If black people feel pain the same way as white people, 2016 studies show that 50% of medical students and residents who were studied found that black people could feel pain the same way, because they had thicker skin or their nerves didn't work the same way. Where is this from? It's a holdover from the days of slavery when white people had to feel better about using slingers. Black people used to get operated on without anesthesia and were used in studies without their consent, so this was a convenient way. To this day, black people are less likely to get sustained treatment in terms of pain medication. They're more likely to wait longer in the emergency room. They're less likely to continue seriously. It's a holdover from the days of slavery. A call to action. Doctors, nurses, anybody in the... Minorities doesn't always receive the care that they need. This may cause them to become frustrated and take other routes that don't produce good results. Regardless of race, culture, or social economic status, everyone deserves to receive and have easy access to quality care. Lack of quality health care will affect anyone. Did you know that many people are not able to realize when they need help? From research, black people tend to normalize trauma. Therefore, black people in some communities have higher rates of PTSD at 8.7% compared to white people at 7.4%. In case you're wondering, mental health support is needed when our behavior and thoughts are affecting our relationships, work, and sense of well-being. Some examples are feeling hopeless, having suicidal thoughts, anger, including channeling that anger internally towards ourselves. So, why is fixing mental health important? For one, trauma is passed down to children. From personal experience, my mother's mother got hooked on drugs when she was a child. Her father got full custody and she was raised by her father. Growing up, my mother wasn't very affectionate towards me or my sister. She would be quick to pick up a belt and discipline, but she never really talked to us, you know, like just showed affection or apologized. Then she would often speak about her father and what she would do for him. And she would also do the discipline of her mother as well. Then she would make statements such as she wished she could go somewhere far away. As an adult, I realized that my mother had unhealed wounds that she displayed as a parent. So, children do often experience the pain of the parent. Also, fixing mental health can also cause higher levels of well-being, better coping skills, and a longer, healthier life. Regardless of race or culture, we all need that safe space to vent and to be motivated to deal with life. When searching for a therapist, don't focus on the race. A person's color doesn't define if they're a good therapist or not. Regardless of the identity of a therapist, the most important qualities are compassion and cultural competence. Do you need someone to talk to? Are you experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety? Are you worried about a loved one's mental health? Are you or someone you know struggling with an addiction or substance use disorder? No matter what you're dealing with, there is no wrong reason to call. Call or text 988. Our crisis counselors are prepared to help you get the support you need. It's free, confidential, and available 24-7, currently serving all Michiganders. Thanks for attending the podcast. Keep on walking strong. Hold your head up high.