African Americans Are at the Forefront on the Battle Ground Against Mental Illnesses

I've gotten my head blown off at several presentations I've given in the past but...the fact help me to stand firm! I must admit, I was one of those people that would always assume---CAN I BE HONEST WITH YOU?- that if a serial killer, or some mentally unstable person was son the run, me as well as other (even some whites) would assume that it's a white person. Well, so many years later---the SNIPE incidents----everyone just knew it was a white male doing harm. Then once the veil was lifted, BAM! Blacks lose their mind and go into denial about the facts (the two prisoner's) that stood before the whole world for unauthorized prosecution minus the jury! My point? Blacks can no longer (and should never have) point the finger and assume that any mass tragedy is committed by a white person or a orthodox terrorist.

Once I remove myself out of the storyline and I present the facts---people shut up! I guess I am so passionate about this simply for one reason. STIGMAS AGAINST THE MENTALLY ILL WILL PREVENT SOMEONE FROM GETTING HELP OR ATTAINING THE HELP THEY ALREADY HAVE! All the facts that I have found on numerous websites have given me the foundation to stand on to allow me to speak about mental health care in America as well as the African American Community.

Take the time to review some very scary facts below, then you tell me who is the loser! I can't do it all alone, but with your help you can simply spread the word, to get everyone on the right path to sustaining quality mental health!

FACTS:
The suicide rate amongst AA men has risen 100% since 1981. Now that IS 28 years but please do understand---I stated suicide only. Not AIDS/HIV, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, jail, car accidents and any other God given way to meet death! This AA men have decided (for whatever reason) to kill themselves.

Most men/women who go through the penal system, have a higher risk of becoming mentally unbalanced.

Stress, along with out underlying factors could cause a change in the status of someone's mind. Stress is in the top 10 list of killers of all time. Stress wears your body down. It ages you much faster as well. This explains seeing a young woman in her 30's but she looks like she is in her late 40's!

Many people do not know that most of these common diseases can be prevented significantly with good diet and exercise.

The mind is what matters most! The entire system depends on the brain to send neuro-transmitters to all parts of the body! The most vital organs in order are:
Brain, Skin, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Kidneys. The liver has to come before the kidneys because if the liver goes---you go! There are two kidney's!

Most AA tend to sway away from seeking/attaining mental health care for these reasons:

1)Lack of insurance
2)Socioeconomic factors- Social circumstances serve as the indicator for the likelihood of developing a mental illness.
3)No outreach programs, or education on how to obtain help
4)Highly stigmatized in the AA community. Most people deem the inflicted as 'CRAZY' but truth be told. The ones that are crazy and continue to not seek help or ignore the doctor's advice ARE CRAZY!
5)Many AA turn to their church. This is okay, but it should not be done alone. The church as well as the person must do everything they can on both ends in addition to taking their medication fully. Many people tend to place their faith high above the doctor--God put here on this earth--- and leave the healing all up to God. I say PRAYER AND MEDICATION= HEALTHY MIND STATUS. IT'S A TEMPORARY FIX UNTIL HEALING OCCURS. Unfortunately, there is no cure, only preventive medication to help a person stay mentally balanced.
6) The dealing with shame is too much to bear.
7) No support. No one either believes them or they write it off as it not being a serious illness.

The cycle can be broken and people can be saved, but people must understand that mental illnesses are very serious.
For any info or to verify the facts, visit NAMI. The national Alliance on Mental Illness @ www.nami.org

Become proactive in your mental/physical health care!