HOW NAMI-KEYSTONE, PA ENDS MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA FOR BLACK/AFRICAN ANCESTRY COMMUNITIES; YOUTH RESOURCES.. (624 hits)
For Immediate Release From NAMI-Keystone, PA!
BE A VOICE THAT ENDS MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA IN BLACK/AFRICAN COMMUNITIES!
Know the Signs:
On The Lookout For Serious Mental Health Concerns: A Resource For Black/African Ancestry Communities
1. Do you find that you care less about how you look?
You may have a sudden decline in how you look, caring far less about your appearance.
2. Do you just want everyone to leave you alone?
You may be beginning to break off or separate from family or friends and activities you usually engaged in.
3. Do you see or hear what I see or hear?
This may involve hearing unfamiliar voices or seeing things that others are not.
4. Is your mind playing tricks on you?
This may cause you to feel confused or have scrambled thoughts that do not make sense to you or others around you.
5. Are you uneasy with others?
You may feel suspicious and uneasy with others for no explained reason or believe that they are out to harm you.
6. Are you just not feeling it or feeling too much?
You may feel a loss of emotions or feel all of your emotions too strongly.
7. Have you thought of or engaged in self-harm or just don’t want to be around anymore?
If so, this is a sign that requires immediate attention, so talk right away with a trusted person, don’t wait, seek help.
DON'T GO IT ALONE
We can all have a bad day, it’s when a bad day turns into bad weeks that it’s time to act. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs included above, reach out to someone you trust.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides a 24-hour confidential connection with a trained crisis counselor.
NAMI’s helpline offers information on finding a mental health professional and more. Connect with the Helpline by calling 800-950-NAMI (6242), text “HelpLine” to 62640 or email us at helpline@nami.org, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
By knowing the signs, we can support people in getting help early.
Together we can reduce mental health crises with a shared sense of urgency through our CRISIS CAN’T WAIT Campaign. Join us by learning more about this campaign and NAMI’s Community Health Equity Alliance initiative, created to improve access to care for people experiencing serious mental health conditions in Black/African Ancestry communities, visit chea.nami.org
Know 988 + Pass It On
Help us raise awareness about 988 and accessing crisis services so that urgent mental health care and support are available to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
WHAT IS 988?
988 is the nationwide, three-digit dialing code connecting people to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It was created as an anonymous Lifeline for people experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis available in every community. When you call, text or chat with 988, you will be connected with a trained counselor who will offer compassionate and accessible care and support. 988 serves as a triage and offers next steps to take, resources and referrals to community care.
WHEN TO USE IT
The most common calls to 988 are for mental health, substance use or suicidal crises. The good news is that all calls to 988 are welcome. Regardless of your level of crisis, you can and should contact 988 for support. You can also reach out to 988 if you see a friend, family member or another person in your community in need.
WHY SHARING THIS INFO IS VITAL?
Each one, teach one. Sharing this information is vital. Understandably, you may have concerns about using 988 because it may result in a law enforcement response. However, proper use of 988 helps us prevent responses to mental health crises that end in arrests or worse — too often in minoritized and under resourced communities.
By knowing 988 and spreading the word, we can help people connect with care and support. Together we can reduce mental health crises with a shared sense of urgency through our CRISIS CAN’T WAIT Campaign. Join us by learning more about this campaign and NAMI’s Community Health Equity Alliance initiative, created to improve access to care for people experiencing serious mental health conditions in Black/African Ancestry communities, visit chea.nami.org.
KNOW YOUR CARE JOURNEY
Destination: Wellness.
1. Acceptance Is Empowerment
If diagnosed with a serious mental health condition, you have begun the journey to wellness. Stigma is common in all communities and can be more prevalent in Black/ African Ancestry communities. When we have been diagnosed with a condition, it can be hard to accept. That knowledge is true power, because with it comes resources and a support system of OUR choosing to help us thrive!
2. Stick To The Script(s)
Similar to following a fitness journey for ideal physical health, following our treatment plan allows us to improve our overall wellbeing. A treatment plan may include medicine, therapy and for some, time in a care facility. Following a plan prescribed by clinicians and medical professionals keeps us on track with our care journey. This keeps symptoms in check. Most importantly, it keeps us connected with family, friends and those who love us and have our back.
3. Assemble Your [Support] Squad!
Just because you have a diagnosis, does not mean you have to go it alone. Building the right support squad gives you peace of mind, knowing that with your medical care team, trusted family and friends, others in your squad will do their best to keep you on track at times when you may feel most vulnerable.
4. You May Fall, And You Can Rise Again
There may be times when you get off track, and that is ok. Nobody is perfect, and Nobody’s journey is without peaks and valleys. Lean on your support squad in those times, they will be there to help pick you up and set you back on your path.
5. Be Your Own Best Advocate
This is YOUR care journey. That is why YOU should expect nothing less than the best care for YOU to reduce symptoms and keep your life on track. Being your own best advocate means asking your treatment provider questions. Tell your care team about past Experiences on your care journey that did not work for you, and work together on a shared vision for treatment, goals and clinical and cultural acceptance. It is empowering to express your desire to be treated with care and dignity by YOUR care team.
How You Can Help
Share these Crisis Can’t Wait resources in your community so that we can raise mental health awareness, let people know how to connect with crisis services, and better support people on their care journey in reaching and sustaining recovery. You can start spreading the word by sharing these resources with the many organizations and at community events, including the following:
Faith Communities
Social Justice Community Partners
Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities
Colleges and Universities: HBCUs and others
Community Health and Mental Health Events: on display tables and at presentations
NAMI Affiliates across the states
Post in waiting rooms for zoom events
NAMI Support Groups and other programs
Health, Mental Health, and Other Coalitions
Share on Social Media
Share with Law Enforcement Partners And more.
CHEA Initiatives & Community Resources
Community Health Equity Alliance is helping to raise awareness, supporting people in navigating care, and engaging communities. Resources have been created by and for Black/African Ancestry adults living with serious mental health conditions, advocates, community stakeholders and care team providers.
We can and must do better to ensure that people know more about getting help and support when it is needed and where to turn in a mental health crisis.
Teens and young adults deserve a safe place to get support for their mental health, that’s why NAMI created their Teen & Young Adult HelpLine. They are one call, text, or chat away! Text Friend to 62640 to immediately connect with a HelpLine Specialist trained to provide resources, information, and support.
