B L A C K E L I T E S E-magazine
July 2020
T H E U N W A N T E D C O N V E R S A T I O N
M E N T A L H E A L T H I N T H E B L A C K C O M M U N I T Y
You Don't Have To Go Through This Alone
Founder's Note July, the month that spreads awareness of minorities mental health.
Welcome, readers, to the 3rd issue of Black Elites Emagazine! Can you believe that it's almost August? Like, we just celebrated January 1st! Anywho, Black Moguls has had a name change due to a name similarity of another company. To eliminate confusion, the magazine will now be called Black Elites E-magazine. July is the month that brings awareness to mental health in our community. Mental health is something that is rarely talked about and a conversation that will likely be swept under the rug. With everything that is going on from the pandemic, people being laid off, the increasing racial injustice, and so forth, the mental state in our community is definitely being impacted. This issue will be dedicated to educating our community about this important topic.
Coach Sanedra, founder of Black Elites E-magazine, Life/Business Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Author.
Coach Sanedra Editor-in-Chief
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MEET
KISHA "COACH K" SIMMONS
Coach K is the founder of nonprofit Teen Kick as well as CEO of KICK Consulting. She is known as a Parent & Teen Life Coach, Mental Wellness Consultant, Published Author, and International Speaker. Her goal is to enrich and empower teen girls along with those who serve them. website: www.iamcoachk.com nonprofit website: www.teenkick.org
COACH K
TEENS MENTAL HEALTH MATTER Listen, Uplift, & Encourage There are many unfortunate situations that teenagers are battling with within their home, mindset, as well as around peers. There are multitude of issues a teen girl face, from lost identity, gender confusion, faux reality per social media standards, and many more. Even though some teen girls may have an amazing outlet to express themselves, they may
choose
not
tell
anyone
due
to
embarrassment, fear of getting judged, or fear of disappointing their parents therefore they keep it to themselves. There are also teen girls who do not have anyone to talk to even if they tried to open up. This can lead to depression or even worse, suicide. Let's promote to our community that opening up and
seeking
a
trusted
professional
for
guidance is OKAY. No more silence and going through things alone! Having Coach K, a relatable mentor and Certified Life Coach, around to help along the way is necessary especially now. Who do you have in mind that can benefit with talking with Coach K? It could be your teen
daughter,
niece,
cousin,
or
friend.
Whoever it may be, I encourage you to connect with Coach K and discuss more on this topic.
https://www.iamcoachk.c om/teentalktherapy
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH
NO MORE STIGMAS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Article From NAMI Resources One in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. Stigma occurs when society labels someone as tainted or less desirable. Stigma involves three elements; a lack of knowledge (ignorance), negative attitudes (prejudice) and people
behaving
in
ways
that
disadvantage
the
stigmatised person (discrimination). The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it. A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. Research suggests multiple, linking
causes.
Genetics,
environment
and
lifestyle
influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too. Facing
racism,
discrimination
and
inequity
that
significantly affect a person’s mental health. Being treated or perceived as “less than” because of the color of your
skin
can
be
stressful
and
even
traumatizing.
Additionally, members of the Black community face additional challenges accessing the care and treatment they need.
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, hopelessness, and feeling like everything is an effort. Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those living above it. Despite the needs, only one in three Black or African American adults who need mental health care receive it. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Mental Health Facts for African Americans guide, African Americans are: Less likely to receive guideline-consistent care Less frequently included in research More likely to use emergency rooms or primary care (rather than mental health specialists). Stigma around mental health conditions is still pervasive in our society. For many Black communities, discussing mental health can be a difficult subject. For example, one study showed that 63% of African Americans believe that a mental health condition is a personal sign of weakness. This stigma can act as a deterrent from people seeking mental health care when they need it. When this happens, the underlying problem can go untreated causing unnecessary suffering. A delay in receiving treatment can worsen the outlook of some conditions as can the stress and anxiety caused by experiencing stigma. It has been argued that certain diagnostic labels cause stigma. Although it is true that certain diagnoses, for example schizophrenia, carry more negative connotations than other diagnoses, for example depression, stigma cannot be attributed to diagnosis alone.
WHAT CAN BE DONE? African Americans have been, and continue to be, negatively affected by prejudice and discrimination in the healthcare system. Conscious or unconscious bias from providers and lack .
"Education campaigns can help reduce stigma."
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
What Can Be Done Continued... of cultural competence can result in misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment and mistrust of mental health professionals. These disparities can create a distrust in mental health professionals, which can prevent many from seeking or continuing treatment. African Americans may be more likely to identify and describe physical symptoms related to mental health problems. For example, they may describe bodily aches and pains when talking about depression. A health care provider who is not culturally competent might not recognize these as symptoms of a mental health condition. Additionally, men are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia when expressing symptoms related to mood disorders or PTSD. When a person is experiencing challenges with their mental health, it is essential for them to receive quality and culturally competent care. While we recommend going directly to a mental health professional, a primary care doctor is also a great place to start. A primary care doctor might be able to provide an initial mental health assessment and referral to a mental health professional if needed. When meeting with a provider, it can be helpful to ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity. Providers expect and welcome questions from the individual since this helps them better understand what is important in their treatment. Here are some sample questions: Have you treated other African Americans? Have you received training in cultural competence or African American mental health? How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment? Whether you seek help from a primary care doctor or a mental health professional, you should finish your sessions with health professionals feeling heard and respected. You may want to ask yourself: Did my provider communicate effectively with me? Is my provider willing to integrate my beliefs, practices, identity and cultural background into my treatment plan? Did I feel like I was treated with respect and dignity? Do I feel like my provider understands and relates well with me? If finances are preventing you from finding help, contact a local health or mental health clinic or your local government to see what services you qualify for. You can find contact information online at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or by calling the National Treatment Referral Helpline at 800-662HELP (4357).
July 28-29, 2020 Theme: Minorities And Mental Health: Moving Beyond Stigma NAMI First-Ever Annual Conference Is In Recognition Of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
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provides professional services in the hospitality industry, that ranges from consultancy to meal preparations. They specialize in catering and enhancing every culinary experience one should have. "I’m a strong believer in the food I prepare. I always creatively combine various of flavor profiles of countries around the world with the best and freshest ingredients to tantalize my clients’ taste buds. I travel the world learning new cooking techniques and different cuisines in order to immerse myself into their culture." Makeiba
As Makeiba traveled the world learning new cooking techniques, it fueled her desire to launch her own travel company Wanderlust Awakening. Her travel company specializes in helping others to fulfill their travel dreams of becoming a travel advisor, pursuit of solo adventures, backpacking around the world or simply planning the ultimate foodie adventure. "I’ve witnessed a lack of representation when it comes to black travelers and travelers of color. Thus, I feel that we need more black travel advisors. I believe it would be beneficial to the tourism and hospitality industry but most importantly to the black community and culture." - Makeiba Winclas
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Destiny RAPHEAL & DINEKIA WILSON
THE WILSON'S 10TH YEAR RENEWAL CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF BLACK LOVE
Ralph + Dinekia WE CHOSE TO SAY "I DO" ALL OVER AGAIN AS WE CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF MARRIAGE.
C E L E B R A T I N G
B L A C K
L O V E
"Rapheal and I met in Dec of 2003 in the complex where his dad lived a few apts down from my grandmother. I knew he’d be the one when we first met." My advice to any couple getting married is to seek counseling first whether the relationship has had problems or not. It’s good to get counseling and ALWAYS remember COMMUNICATION and UNDERSTANDING is key in any relationship. Our 10 years of marriage hasn’t been easy at all but when you love a person, it’s worth standing by it.
- Dinekia Wilson
The Wilsons reside in Mississippi and are the parents of two beautiful girls.
C E L E B R A T I N G
B L A C K
L O V E
Love IS THE ANSWER
C E L E B R A T I N G
B L A C K
L O V E
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU!
Just married, gave birth, black love, or anything you want us to celebrate? Please share with Black Elites. Email us at blackelitesmagazine@gmail.com
HOW TO SURVIVE ANOTHER DAY INSIDE By Coach Sanedra
Has your mood been a little down in the dumps lately because you’re having to stay at home due to the pandemic? Are you looking for some ideas to enhance your mental stability? If you’re starting to feel a bit sad or sluggish just sitting around the house, moving your body and stimulating your mind can help you to feel better.
Now is the time to get yourself and your needs back on track. Your mental health is important! Your self-care needs to be a priority right now. What about trying some simple indoor activities to boost your mental health and energy levels? Even when you’re stuck at home, you can still have fun and relax. Continue on next page
NOMADIC
|
24
If you’re spending a lot of your time inside, try these indoor activities to give yourself a boost: 1. Take a bubble bath. Wait! Before you dismiss this,
2. Write in your journal. Self-care also means
hear me out. There’s nothing like a bubble bath to
that you’re taking care of yourself mentally,
rejuvenate your energy and make you relaxed at the
too. If you have a journal or notebook, why not
same time. Take your time soaking as well. A
write out some of the stories and thoughts that
Japanese study found that in comparison to
you have in your head? Think of it as your own
showering, bathing resulted in less stress, tension-
little therapy session where you’re getting them
anxiety, anger-hostility, and depression, in the people
out of your head and clearing out that space in
who took part in the study. Be sure that your water
your brain. The more room that you make, the
temp is just right. If you choose not to use bubbles,
less stress that you’re going to feel.
you can always use essential oils and add some candles while you at it! Enjoy this moment without
3. Call up your best friend or a family member
any electronics and meditate. Simply close your eyes
that you enjoy talking to on the phone.
and concentrate on long, deep breaths. Keep your
Texting back and forth to your friends is fun, but
mind quiet, and focus on the present moment.
there’s nothing like a good old phone call to be able to hear their voice. Call up your best friend and just see what they’re up to. Talk to them, find out about their day, and enjoy every word that comes out of their mouth. Enjoy the present moment.
4. Order delivery and put up your feet. When it comes to self-care, who says that you really have to do much of anything? If you want to order in a large cheese pizza and put up your feet, then that’s what you need to do. Being in your house means that you get to set and play by your own rules. Your home is a space that can offer you many comforts and allow you to be yourself. Use it as a way to boost your mental health and also spoil yourself, too. You deserve some pampering! You’ll become busy again soon enough, so the time is now to relax while you’re at home. These simple ideas are a great way to get started. There’s no reason to wait to make any of these happen. The longer that you wait for self-care, the more stresses that you’re going to allow to pile up. You can easily start these ideas today. - Coach Sanedra
MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS List from NAMI
1
ANXIETY DISORDERS Everyone can experience anxiety, but when symptoms are overwhelming and constant — often impacting everyday living — it may be an anxiety disorder.
2
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) ADHD is a developmental disorder defined by inattention (trouble staying on task, listening); disorganization (losing materials); and hyperactivity-impulsivity (fidgeting, difficulty staying seated or waiting).
BIPOLAR DISORDER 3
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Individuals with this disorder experience extreme high and low moods, known as mania and depression. Some people can be symptom-free for many years between episodes.
4
DEPRESSION
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Dissociative disorders, which are frequently associated with trauma, disrupt every area of psychological functioning: consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, motor control and behavior.
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER BPD is characterized by a pattern of instability in emotions (commonly referred to as dysregulation), interpersonal relationships and self-image. Individuals with BPD can also struggle with impulsivity and self-harm.
5
6
7
EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are characterized by the intentional changing of food consumption to the point where physical health or social behaviors are affected. 8
OBSESSIVECOMPULSIVE DISORDER
OCD involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors that a person feels driven to perform (compulsions) in response to those thoughts.
9
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER PTSD involves a set of physiological and psychological responses. It can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, rape, war/combat or something similar.
10
PSYCHOSIS Psychosis is characterized as disruptions to a person’s thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn’t.
11
SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER Schizoaffective disorder involves symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depressive or manic episodes.
12
SCHIZOPHRENIA Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. It also causes people to lose touch with reality, often in the form of hallucinations and delusions.
Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. To read more: https://nami.org/Learn-More/MentalHealth-Conditions
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
BLACK MENTAL HEALTH MATTER
We should make it clear that getting help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength—and we should ensure that people can get the treatment they need.” —Michelle Obama
Thank you all for hanging out with me by reading this month's issue! I hope this issue was educational and informative. Enjoy your family and friends today and continue to be safe. See you all next month. Don't forget to tell a friend to subscribe. - Sanedra