Mental Health is HEALTH.
According to WHO, 450 million people globally struggle with mental illness.
You are not alone!
Mental Illness is not a human flaw
There are many reasons why people develop mental illness. Some are genetic or biological. Some are a result of childhood trauma or overwhelming stress at school, work or home. Some stem from environmental injustice or violence.
Sometimes, we simply don't know. Regardless of the reasons, these are health problems just like cancer, arthritis or diabetes. So why does society look at people with mental illness, including substance use disorders, differently?
The answer is Stigma. The real question, however, is how do we stop it?
The consequence of Stigma
Fear and misunderstanding often lead to prejudice against people with mental illness and addictions, even among service providers. It's one of the main reasons why many people don't consider it a real health issue. This prejudice and discrimination lead to feelings of hopelessness and shame in those struggling to cope with their situation, creating a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment.
The struggle is incredibly real
The world is in the grips of a mental health crisis that ruins health, threatens lives and hurts economies. Knowing the facts is the first step on the way to creating new hope.
Black Community & Mental Health
The Black community suffers from an increased rate of mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. The increased incidence of psychological difficulties in the Black community is related to the lack of access to appropriate and culturally responsive mental health care, prejudice and racism inherent in the daily environment of Black individuals.