It’s no secret that mental illness is prominent within the American population, but do you know just how prominent it is within the African American Community? According to research done by the Center for Discovery, “African American adults are 20% more likely to experience mental health issues than the rest of the population.” If this is the case, tell me why don’t we hear about it as much as we should. Why aren’t folks educated enough to know it’s not just a term of endearment for crazy people? Why are African Americans so afraid to feel like they may suffer from depression or anxiety? Has society really fucked up our minds so much that we can not seek help for fear of the stigma that “black folks” don’t have mental issues, when indeed we do. Face it, life is hard, life has thrown many of us the sour damaged lemons in life that just can’t make the best lemonade. Because of that we worry a lot, we spend more time than we want thinking about what to do, how to do it, will he or she do it, what did I Do? We deprive ourselves of the food that will cling to the walls of our stomachs to provide us with that boost of nourishment to get us thru the day. We forget that there is a whole world out there aside from our room. There is actually a daylight to our darkest hour. But we may never know it because that little condition called depression has taken over like Satan invading our souls robbing us of the joy that God can provide. Not by choice tho, sorry there is no switch to turn off, and believe there ain’t a human in this world that wants to feel this way. Now what about those that get so nervous about playing a part in an argument. Your heart starts racing, your hands are sweaty, mouth dry; you are just anxious as hell. Now get this, that argument never takes place. Yep you read it correctly, the argument never happens . You my friend have just had a anxiety/panic attack. Its the truth, and its more common than you think. No its not for attention like the uneducated, heartless, assholes of our great society want to make you feel. Its you, its me, its us. As a product of the black community, i can say this in truth; a lot of the African Americans treat this with such phrases as: “O, you are just crazy”, “No we don’t have to worry about that”, “Its life so deal with it”, or simply “I’m sorry to hear that, it will get better. So what else is new”. Like really! So its as simple as that huh! So what happens when its too late, It’s simply to late to show that compassion then. Let’s be honest for a moment. Mental illness does not care who it harbors its seed in regardless of your nationality or race. We need more resources, education, and understanding of this subject in order to overcome it. Don’t hate me, I’m just the deliverer of this truth.
If you or someone you know is battling mental illness go to http://www.NAMI.org .This website provides you with several numbers to contact depending on the specific type of mental illness.
Lastly, take a moment and say a prayer for those suffering in silence. Pray that they finally find their voice to speak out and overcome this part of their lives. Continue to be great, and smile today!
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