Sunday, October 05, 2008
Get help, use faith to heal the mind
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Shanna Flowers is The Roanoke Times' metro columnist.
Shanna Flowers
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As black people, we try to pray away our demons rather than treat them.
Mental illness carries a stigma in this country. But especially in the black community.
Suicide? We don't do that. Counseling? Pray harder.
Laverne Williams of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey visited Roanoke on Thursday to speak about mental illness and call on churches to take the lead in helping black members break down barriers to emotional and mental well-being.
"We know a lot of people are rushing up to the altar, and it ain't the Holy Ghost," Williams said during a breakfast sponsored by Mental Health America of the Roanoke Valley. "Something else is happening."
Williams wasn't suggesting that everyone who goes up for altar call Sunday morning is seeking relief from depression or another mental disorder. For those who are suffering, yes, prayer is needed.
And so is professional help.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Office, only one-third of all Americans with a mental illness or disorder get care. The percentage of blacks getting care is half that of whites. Nearly 60 percent of older blacks do not receive needed services.
Locally, Carilion Clinic doesn't track patients by race. But anecdotally, an administrator said the outpatient behavioral medicine programs see very few blacks.
With the economy in shambles, most people are more stressed out than usual.
Blacks are no more or less vulnerable to mental illness than other races, according to Gloria Manns, a black mental health care provider in full-time private practice in Roanoke. The difference, she said, is in how blacks deal with it.
We are slower to get treatment, if we get it at all.
"If you look at depression and you look at your stereotype [of blacks], they look alike. Start stuff and can't finish. Don't follow through. You're lazy."
A black person wrestling with depression may feel race already is "one mark against me," Manns said. "If I'm mentally ill, and you've already said I'm lazy, it's too many strikes against me."
Then there's the religious aspect of the taboo. A recent Pew Forum poll found that 85 percent of black Protestants say religion is very important in their lives.
Williams showed a video that featured interviews of people. Before they sought professional treatment, some had suffered longer than they had to because of no doubt well-intended but misguided spiritual influence.
One woman stood out for citing a long list of denominations she had joined, thinking spiritual refuge alone would help her mental disorder.
"Black folks don't kill themselves," Williams said, taking a dig at the cultural myth. "Girl, we pray."
The social worker said that some of the academic and behavioral problems exhibited in young children, and the violence playing out on the streets, likely have roots in untreated depression.
To help blacks understand that it's OK to seek mental health treatment, Williams created PEWS -- Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality programs.
Because the pastor is the first person many church members go to when they are having problems, Williams' mental health awareness program targets black churches. The program urges churches to develop a relationship with the mental health community so that when members come to pastors, they are informed about services and can refer members.
Williams, a deacon in her New Jersey Baptist church, developed the program three years ago. She travels around the country, debunking myths and demystifying mental health.
Her goal is for representatives from black churches to hear her speak, take her message back to their flocks and invite local mental health experts.
Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health America of the Roanoke Valley, was ecstatic with the turnout Thursday morning. She said she had representatives from nine churches.
They should be commended for sending representatives, but in a community where churches sit on every other corner, Williams' presentation deserved a wider hearing.
The Rev. Kenneth Wright of First Baptist Gainsboro was there. A few years ago, he had a similar program at his church.
"I happen to have the approach to ministry of a holistic mission -- spirit, mind and body," he said. "They are not the same but are one." For too long, he said, black churches have held the mind part "as taboo."
Williams said she generally is received well by pastors. She helps them understand that their own greater knowledge of community services allows them to help members get the help they need. It frees the minister up to do other pastoral duties.
In doing research through Mental Health America, I found a list of misconceptions blacks have about not seeking mental health care.
"You should take your troubles to Jesus, not some stranger or psychiatrist."
Why not do both?
Churches and individuals interested in learning more about services provided by Mental Health America of the Roanoke Valley can call 344-0931.
