Come One Come All

In Pursuit of Good Mental Health

BY BEATRICE A. TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

LAST MONTH, FATHER’S DAY AND MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH Awareness Month was acknowledged. In so doing I recognized my father, now deceased, my memories of his outwardly expressive demeanor and the emotional presence he continues to have in my life. It was also my intent to celebrate the numerous men I encounter who readily, eagerly, and willingly participate in counseling. These are insightful men who despite the stigma often attached to those who seek therapy have elected to work towards improving their well-being through the therapeutic process. Last month’s article resulted in smiles and positive feedback from clients currently pursuing counseling for the purpose of bettering themselves as men, friends, partners/spouses, and fathers. I must add I am pleased when men arrive at my practice with their children or on behalf of their children with the mindset and understanding their mental health impacts the mental and emotional well-being of their offspring.

It is now July, the month in which we celebrate Independence Day and the birth of our Nation. The heat of the summer is on a steady incline while flags are strategically being displayed in anticipation of fourth of July celebrations. In the mental health world, it is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a designation that, as quiet and unknown as it may be to some, is a designation that is not new and is increasingly pertinent. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month also known today as BeBe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) came to life July 2008. The theme this year Culture, Community, and Connection sheds light on the impact culture, identity, community, and environment has on one’s overall wellbeing. Ms. Campbell, author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate envisioned improved mental healthcare, affordable resources, and the expansion of community-based culturally responsive and accessible mental health facilities for everyone. Her push for mental health equity, particularly in underrepresented, underserved, impoverished, and disfranchised communities ignited a mental health movement with the goal of destigmatize mental illness among diverse communities through culturally relevant education, resources, training, and mentoring. Since its’ inception July has become a time to acknowledge, and enhance the public’s awareness on the unique challenges minority groups such as people of color experience when it comes to mental health, illnesses, and treatment in the United States.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. In fact, mental health issues are so common it is estimated 1 in 5 American adults experiences a mental illness each year. Perhaps this is your experience or the experience of a family member, friend, or associate. Increasingly, we are becoming aware that the state of mental health in this country is in critical condition. It affects how we think, behave, feel, interact with others, cope, and make decisions. Regardless, of our background anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness. Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, lifestyle, or identity however people do and the systems and organizations in which we operate often do. Research has indicated that the effect of racism, discrimination, oppression, displacement, and the impact of historical trauma on mental health is real and should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, one’s background, community and identity can make access to mental health treatment even more challenging.

In pursuit of good mental health I firmly believe everyone deserves and has the right to access, and receive effective treatment, resources, and services. Recently, I received the comment “Doc, you really love and believe in mental health care.” To that well intended associate I jokingly said, “Keep in mind I am a therapist in private practice. Pardon me if I sound a bit biased about seeking therapy.” Putting all jokes aside I conveyed, whereas my stance on this issue might seem to be agenda oriented and as though I am on a mission, it is the cross section of people with mental health issues that puts me on the side of humanity; people and their mental health matters, matter greatly to me. I look forward to a future in mental health that supports, uplifts, amplifies, and promotes inclusion.

For our nation’s sake, for humanity’s sake, let us all be aware of the state of our individual mental health as well as the mental health of those we know and care about. The Fourth of July is coming soon. It is a national symbol of freedom many will acknowledge in different ways based on what the holiday means to them. This holiday, if we have not, may we all consider some of the issues impacting our personal mental and emotional health as well the current state of mental health in America. Issues such as the opioid crisis, inflation, the rise in anxiety and depression associated with COVID-19, gun violence, employment concerns, political divisiveness, discrimination, inadequate, unaffordable, and inaccessible mental and physical health care. Whether it is a racial or ethnic minority groups, men, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, all of society benefits when people of various communities have access to good mental health care. It has been my desire to create a space that is safe for all people to address their mental health issues. Where people can move forward with their mental health issues without insult or shame. In my opinion, “Come One Come All” every day of every month and be in pursuit of good mental health care for yourself and for all.

For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

WHAT YOU NEED:

3 ounces blanco tequila

1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice

Topo Chico, chilled Himalayan sea salt

Crushed Ice Mint, optional

Rim half a glass with Himalayan salt and fill with crushed ice. Muddle mint leaves and add in a shaker with tequila and lime juice. Strain into rocks glass. Top with chilled Topo Chico and add lemon wedge and mint leaves to garnish.