Real Life Real Faith Men of Faith January Edition | Page 7

How exactly do we get over the barriers? In order to address the growing issues surrounding mental health disorders in the African American community you have to get the cornerstones of the African American community on board. When you look at African Americans one of the biggest influences for many continue to be their faith. Decisions are made based on what the word says or what people of the cloth tells the flock. Therefore church officials have to incorporate some initiatives that will aid in addressing mental health within the community of their respective churches. They have to let the people know that it is ok to seek help for any mental ailments that they may have. We also must look at our men as well. More men have to step up and be leaders within the communities and serve as their brothers’ keepers and get them to get over the ideas such as being helpless or weak if help is sought out for addressing mental health issues. Just like we want to address financial needs, political issues, and physical health needs, we also need to speak out more on mental health as well. Women need to be encouraged and supported by the people in their lives to seek the help needed. As before mentioned, women are often discouraged to seek help when it comes to mental health. We must understand that discouragement brings about dormant communities; therefore we must use encouragement in order to push positive outcomes. Lastly, the ones that are always in the spotlight and tend to have the ability to gain more attention to the cause need to assist with mental health awareness in the African American communities. Who are these people with the biggest influence on African American communities you ask? The actors/actresses, the professional athletes, the musicians/rappers/singers, and the politicians is the answer to that question. These influences all need to use their influential voices to get African Americans to be more open about mental health. We must get over the taboo behind mental health in our community because poor mental health in anyone brings about a weak and improperly functioning mentality.

Hurley Morgan

Senior Managing Editor