Being in treatment does not only mean medication or an inpatient stay in a psych ward. It means addressing family issues, problems on the job, or even suppressed childhood abuse.
Of course, chemical imbalances, drug use and other organic stimulants may cause mental illness and may require medication but a lot of times those who are diagnosed are just hurting and require some understanding.
MUST READ: Black Mental Health: 3 Myths That Hurt Us
Early treatment can mean a normal life for patients suffering with mental illness. As a family member it is okay to sit down with the loved one and just ask, “What is going on?” Avoid judgmental words like, “crazy” or “stupid.” Offer to go to a counseling session with them to show support.
If you are a person who feels like something may be wrong, don’t be afraid to discuss it with a doctor. In order to ensure total body health, the mind has to be taken care of as well.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Mental Health center for more articles.
Jan Crewe is a freelance writer, editor and author. Inspired by her experiences, Jan compiled several original heart-wrenching stories to create the series, Passage to Heaven. For more of her work, click here.
What’s At The Root Of Black Mental Health Stigma? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
