Uncertain Times Highlight Need for Minority Mental Health Month

By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In this issue and the next we will provide mental health tips and information to help people navigate these trying times and beyond.
An author, journalist and teacher, Campbell co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles and served as a national spokesperson. She was a vociferous advocate for mental health education and support for Black and Brown communities.

"Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long,” Campbell said in 2005. “It took years. Can’t we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans. It's not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible.”

Inspired by Campbell’s charge to end the stigma and provide mental health information, longtime friend Linda Wharton-Boyd suggested dedicating a month to the effort.

With support of the Washington, D.C., Department of Mental Health and then-mayor Anthony Williams, Campbell and Wharton-Boyd lobbied for a more comprehensive approach to mental health awareness and support for communities of color.

Although Campbell had been diagnosed with cancer, the two pressed ahead with book signings, speaking engagements and creating a National Minority Mental Health task force. Moore’s journey ended in November 2006, but her passion had won over many people and the fight continued.

In May 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives announced July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) and co-sponsored by a large bipartisan group, had two goals:
• Improve access to mental health treatment and services and promote public awareness of mental illness.
• Name a month as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness, especially among minorities.

The prevalence of mental illness in Black, Brown and Asian communities is slightly below that of white Americans, nearly 20 percent. However, people of color are far less likely to receive treatment, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services survey.

Barriers include less access to treatment, lack of health insurance, a culturally insensitive health care system and higher levels of stigma. For some communities, language is cited as a barrier to seeking assistance.
“Everyone who needs mental health treatment deserves access to quality care,” according to the NAMI website. “National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month brings attention to the need to serve marginalized communities and helps millions of minorities get the treatment they need.”
Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel and behave. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others and make critical decisions.

In our current, uncertain times of world and human conditions, we may have difficulties dealing with sudden life changes on top of everyday, real-life stressors. Specifically, COVID-19 and increased racial tensions on top of longstanding underlying disparities within the Black community: health, economic, institutional and otherwise.

Chronic long-term stress may have lasting biological impacts with altered immune functions and metabolic changes that may disturb the “normal” functions of other body systems. Below are some conditions, barriers, warning signs and coping skills.

(If you are under the care of a provider for your mental wellness and/or physical health, please follow your provider’s recommendations of care and treatment. If you experience new or worsening symptoms, follow up with your provider).

Pre-existing mental health conditions that may magnify or worsen in a crisis (partial list): anxiety, depression, substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bi-polar disorder.
Other barriers: underlying medical conditions (heart disease, obesity, diabetes); stigmas associated with mental illness; lack of culturally competent providers; lack of racially/ethnically diverse providers; underinsurance; no insurance (poverty); lack of knowledge.

Warning signs (adults/adolescents): excessive worry/fear; increased/prolonged feelings of sadness; decreased concentration; prolonged anger/irritability; too much or too little sleep; changes in eating; overuse of alcohol and/or drugs; suicidal thoughts/self-harm.

Warning signs (children): behavioral changes; increased worry; temper tantrums.
(Note: children receive most of their attitudes, life skills and approaches to life from parents by age 5-6; in other words, they model what they see.)
Coping skills in relation to COVID-19 (partial): minimize or disconnect from social media; use reliable news sources for facts from health specialists; focus on things within your control; meditate/pray; rest; practice recommended guidelines (wash hands frequently, wear mask, social distance) stay in regular touch with loved ones and friends; journal; monitor your feelings; take a “nature” walk (stay physically active); listen to uplifting music.

Coping skills in relation to racism (partial): renew/enhance positive sense of self and cultural identity; educate self/children on cultural/race history; speak up on injustices for change; utilize your spiritual belief system.
Suggestions for nutrition and mental health: eat more fruits and vegetables; drink six to eight glasses of water per day (to increase energy and brain function); eat slower in moderate proportions; decrease sugar and salt intake.

Local Resources:
Oak Tree Guidance & Wellness Center
(www oaktreeguidanceandwellnesscenter.com)
Parkview Behavioral Health (www.parkview.com/pbh)
Indiana Be Well Crisis Line: Dial 211
Resources/References:
National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)
National Center for Biotechnology Information (www.ncbi.nih.gov)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255; or online https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Black Mental Wellness (www.blackmentalwellness.com)