by Michael Garrett, President and CEO, CNS Healthcare
It is both interesting and unfortunate that compromised physical conditions yield sympathy and offers for solutions, while those with mental challenges are looked upon in a negative light warranted distance and judgment rather than support. It’s beyond past time to change that narrative and normalize the discussion and service delivery of mental health support and resources.
Whether the person yelling in a grocery store or traffic encounter or the celebrity that appears publicly to have “lost it,” we all wrangle with life’s issues and challenges as well as ways to positively respond to them.
The stigma of mental health—its issues and receiving help—have long plagued our community and those who need and could benefit from it most. The fear of being judged, ridiculed or labels as “crazy” have prevented too many from receiving valuable and needed resources to help navigate the mental challenges that, without help, incarcerate us and our loved ones.
In the Black community, we were long told to not talk about things that could be seen as a sign of weakness. Men were not supposed to cry or show emotion, women were supposed to bear burdens under the mantra of being strong, and children were forced to witness exchanges that poorly defined martial of familial relationship. As a result, everyone moved through life thinking that it was OK to be hurt, in pain, confused, frustrated and sad. While it is OK to not be OK, it is not OK to not seek help and support to move to a better mental space.
The extended outcome of this is passing along the belief that feeling bad was normal. It is not, nor does it have to be. We must normalize the discussion of mental health the same way we have tried to do for physical health.
There are pushes for routine visits to the doctor to intervene with any physical ailments or indications of imminent issues. The same must now be done with mental health. A routine visit to measure and monitor any mental health issues—present or potential—and intervene with necessary treatment and counseling.
CNS Healthcare provides mental health services to all who need and request them, regardless of their ability to pay or their socio-economic circumstances. We are readily available with seven clinic and two clubhouse locations in the tri-county area, and myriad efforts to increase awareness, expand outreach and normalize use of our services.
Mental health is not a joke, and those who experience any compromise or breakdown deserve more than to be ridiculed or criticized. Our collective lack of understanding and empathy contribute to a breakdown to the overall fabric of our society and communities. It is no laughing matter.
It is, however, a normal part of human behavior and growth to have evolving needs that deserve to be met with compassion, empathy, and support. So, the next time you see or hear about someone who appears to need some emotional support or assistance (including yourself), let’s rally around them and those who could benefit from a mental-health check in and checkup the same way we encourage physical ones.
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