July starts off with the celebration of the 4th signifying America’s independence, however this year certain holidays we acknowledged in the past does not have much importance in the lives of Black Americans. I am glad we are becoming educated and standing up for our rights. Police brutality is still going on and racial injustice continues as if we are not fighting against it.
This year many people learned the importance of Juneteenth and many Black Americans signifies that day to celebrate our freedom. The 4th signifies America’s independence however slaves were treated as if they didn’t matter. As a Black American I would prefer to celebrate something that signifies my freedom and represents my culture because it shows respect to our ancestors, and pays tribute to labor and disrespect they have faced for hundreds of years.
On the topic of minority, it is relevant to know we still don’t receive adequate treatment as other Americans. Many people who struggle with mental health and live in urban areas are less likely to retrieve substantial treatment. They may be referred to over crowded clinics and have minor discussions with the attending psychiatrist due to the lack of time they are given. Good treatment goes a long way, and it is important for people to not feel like a number or looked at as dollar signs because of their mental illness.
It takes time, patience, and positivity to help someone who is struggling mentally. It can be draining and overwhelming for an extended period of time, however if we don’t stay supportive to our loved ones, who will?
It’s critical to speak up, to ask questions, and to demand good treatment. We should be given that right. We should know what medicines that are being prescribed to use, why they are being prescribed, and different alternatives that play in our favor. Not everyone is subjected to take medication and just the thought of it sounds intimidating. Often times people are given treatment and walk out the clinic not knowing the significance of taking medication or the responsibility of being consistent with treatment. Which can cause confusion and sometimes ambivalence when unexplained side effects occur. Also understanding the social environment we are in, can be critical to their mental health in reference to stability.
It’s time to educate and provide adequate resources for OUR people who are dealing with mental health issues. And when I mean adequate, I am referring to people who have the ability to help. Who have slots available for therapy sessions, and time to educate and provide tools one would need to have a successful mental health journey. We have to do better and not expect others outside our culture to do it for us. They have been dropping the ball for years and it’s common for them to help their “own” as opposed to someone outside of their “culture.” There are good practitioners, bad practitioners, and honest practitioners, how often do you think you will encounter someone that is honest about your mental health treatment?
Engage: do not be afraid to ask for CLARIFICATION. Be sure when you walk out of a session you have a clear understanding of the conversation you had with the practitioner. Also, have people advocate for you, if you have someone as an emergency contact, be sure it is someone who is serious about your mental health treatment. If you have to ask multiple questions and repeat what the practitioner said, do so. Do anything necessary to make sure you and your practitioner is on the same page.
Be Honest: there are times when you are in session you will be asked to do homework, be serious about doing it and be honest about how you felt about it. HONESTY IS ONE OF THE WAYS YOU WILL GET ACCURATE FEEDBACK! Sometimes we feel ashamed when we don’t do our homework. Be honest about that. If you had a rough week or you didn’t have a chance to get to it, tell your practitioner and that is something you two can talk about. Time management might be one of your struggles and you can use that time to discuss ways to navigate time in order to complete tasks.
Ask for Help: some of us feel as if we can accomplish everything without help. THIS IS NOT TRUE, we all need help or a little push at some point in our lives. Make sure you ask for additional support, like an accountability partner. Someone you can trust and be your authentic self with. It’s critical to have support in addition to a practitioner to help you on your mental health journey.
We live in a world where it is a sensitive time for Black Americans. We are in a dual pandemic with COVID-19, police brutality, and social injustice. It’s time we get the help that we need, from the people we need it from the most. Be sure to be unapologetic when it comes to your MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, it only helps prepare you for a better future.