Addressing the Elephant in the Room: A Conversation About Culture and Mental Health
Mental health has always been a taboo topic. Some of us were taught from a young age that it is best to keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves. If something happened at home, we were told to "keep family business off the streets" or "stop trying so hard to get attention."
This mentality of not seeking help pervades not only our personal lives but our spiritual and professional lives as well.
Mental Health Issues In The Workplace
The workplace is one of the last places where we feel comfortable discussing mental health issues openly, and yet, more and more research is emerging that suggests that our mental health has a profound impact on our work performance.
According to the National Library of Medicine, employees who reported higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to take more sick days, be less productive while at work, and have a higher risk of job turnover.
Mental Health and the Church
On the other hand, mental health issues can make Christians feel as if they are somehow less faithful or not praying hard enough.
As a result, many people struggle in silence, afraid to reach out for help. This is a real problem because mental illness is treatable, and mental health services can be incredibly beneficial.
Christians should feel comfortable opening up about mental health issues and starting conversations about mental health in the church.
By breaking the stigma around mental health, we can provide support and care to those who need it most.
To make lasting community-wide changes, we have to radically change culturally-induced bias towards those who come forward as struggling with mental illness or mental health challenges of any kind.
How Does Culture Impact the Way We Think About and Experience Mental Health?
Culture plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs and perceptions about mental health. For example, if we grew up in a family that doesn't talk about emotions or mental health, we may be less likely to seek help when we're struggling.
We may also be less likely to talk about our mental health challenges with others, making it more difficult to find support.
On the other hand, if we're part of a community that openly discusses mental health and provides resources and support, we may be more likely to reach out for help when we need it.
How Can We Create More Inclusive Communities for People With Mental Illness?
We can start by building a foundation of understanding and support.
Mental illness is often misunderstood and stigmatized, making it difficult for people with mental illness to find the help and acceptance they need.
We can work to break down these barriers by increasing public awareness and education about mental illness.
Additionally, we can create more inclusive communities by providing support and resources for people with mental illness and their families.
Some Ways to Create More Inclusive Communities for People With Mental Illness Include:
1. Promoting public awareness and education about mental illness, including school visits, sensitivity training in the workplace, and open conversations in churches.
2. Providing support and resources for people with negative mental health symptoms and their families, regardless of ethnic differences and racial diversity.
3. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health, treatment options, clinical findings, and factors to consider when seeking mental health care.
4. Creating safe and supportive environments for people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma.
5. Validating the experiences and trauma of people with mental illness.
6. Showing compassion and understanding when communicating or interacting with parents or family members providing care for loved ones in need of mental health care.
7. Advocating for policies and practices that support people with a mental health diagnosis to improve their quality of life and prevent them from slipping through the cracks and getting lost in the system.
It's time for you to prioritize your mental health.
Access to Mental Health Services is Essential
Your mental health is important, yet too often, we find ourselves placing it on the back-burner instead of making it a priority.
The state of your mental health will affect the quality and other aspects of life, impact your values, influence your decision-making process, and could also modify your behavior.
Mental health check-ups should be as important as getting your yearly physical & dental exam.
5 Self Care Strategies to Help Improve Your Mental Health Journey.
1. Find a Mental Health Professional You Trust
When it comes to mental health, it's so important to find a professional you can trust. Someone who will be there for you, offer support and understanding, and help you get the treatment you need.
It can be difficult to find the right mental health professional, but it's worth taking the time to find someone who is a good fit for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a mental health professional:
- Make sure they're licensed and certified. This ensures that they have the necessary training and experience to help you with your mental health.
- Ask about their approach to mental health. What methods do they use? How do they work with patients? You want to make sure that their approach is one that you're comfortable with.
2. It's Okay To Say You're Not Okay
It's okay to say you're not okay. In fact, it's more than okay - it's essential. Emotional healing is a process that requires both self-awareness and self-acceptance.
It's important to recognize when you're feeling off, and it's just as important to give yourself permission to feel those emotions.
3. Set Boundaries
Having boundaries is a form of self-care. You don't have to be all things to all people all the time.
Just because we're social beings accustomed to group activities doesn't mean you have to go along with everything and everyone all the time.
4. Prayer + Action
Having a community that shares your values and beliefs can be a powerful force in improving your mental health. This is why it is so important for churches to reframe their conversation about mental health.
Praying together and supporting each other can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Action is also needed to improve your mental health. Taking steps to improve your physical health, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, can positively impact your mental well-being.
In addition, taking action to resolve personal issues and conflict can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of peace and contentment. This can make it easier for you to work through, process, and heal from trauma.
It's okay to say no. It's okay to set boundaries, and it's absolutely necessary in some cases.
5. Save Emergency Mental Health Services in Your Contacts
It's important to have support systems in place in case of an emergency. Emergency mental health services provide support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
These services can help connect people to resources and treatment options and provide support during times of need.
Emergency mental health services
Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 1-800-273-8255
Therapy for Black Girls - Text TRIBE to 741741
Psychology Today - Black and African Therapists in New York
Therapy for Black Men - Call (646) 780-8278
My Love Letter to You
It's important that we keep the conversation about mental health going.
It's time for you, for us, to stop struggling in silence because we feel like we can't speak up or don't have anyone to turn to.
We need to build a community of support where everyone can feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
I want to use my platform to show up for you in this way, but I need you to commit to showing up for yourself.
Only by working together can we hope to break down the stigma around mental health and provide the support that everyone needs.
I hope this post has encouraged you to start your own conversation about mental health. Remember, you are not alone.
Stay blessed and fabulous!
Xo,
