THE LAB Presents MENTAL HEALTH & THE ROLE OF THE BLACK CHURCH
Come join us Saturday, November 18, from 3:30-6 p.m. 3535 Studios invites you to come and be a part of the solution at this highly engaging gathering of souls. 3535 Studios is a safe and supportive space located right off Marvin D. Love Freeway. The LAB is a Dallas/Fort Worth Wide Community Think Tank.
This is an opportunity for social service providers, community advocates, clergy and citizens to come together and discuss ways to approach a multitude of issues including, relationship issues, social awareness and prevention issues, mental and emotional health issues.
OUR DISCUSSIONS ARE ALWAYS HIGH ENERGY BUT SUPER RESPECTFUL AND INFORMATIVE
Topic: Mental Health and the Black Church is an oxymoron. The two do not usually go together.
For years the Black Church has been the primary place of refuge for persons with mental health issues but has not always been equipped to sufficiently address those needs beyond the standard advice of ‘pray about it’. The stigma associated with mental health issues is double the problem in the Black community as compared to the general population. The Bible says that “My people perish for a lack of knowledge”. This is especially true of Blacks and the issue of mental health. Our people are dying from Depression, Anxiety, Rage/Anger, Stress, Substance Abuse, Violence and other undiagnosed and untreated disorders. There is a direct correlation between our community’s use of alcohol and drugs and the condition of our mental health. We are self-medicating our pain and discomfort caused by our psychological distress.
If diagnosed by a professional with a mental health disorder, we refuse to seek psychotherapy because do not want anyone to think we are ‘crazy’ or know our business. Yet we debate with the medical professionals about medications that have been through years of tests.
The facts are mounting up and the odds are against us. We are increasing in numbers in a few of the mental health diagnosis because of our lifestyles, our Mental Health and the Black Church is an oxymoron. The two do not usually go together.
We are increasing in numbers in a few of the mental health diagnosis because of our lifestyles, our upbringing, our belief that we have to ‘be strong’ and that seeking help is a weakness or ungodly.
What is most alarming is the death, violence and murder rate associated with untreated or undiagnosed mental disorders.
The suicide rate and violent death rate is up for young black males.
The saddest victims of our lack of access to proper mental health care are our children.
Many of the diagnosis of behavioral problems the children have are directly related to their home life. The instability of the family has had a direct impact on the ability of our young people to cope and thrive during stressful times. Children are being diagnosed at younger ages with Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, ODD and other mental health-related diagnoses. The saddest victims of our lack of access to proper mental health care are our children.
On this day we gather to begin a positive discussion on this issue. One where we make some suggestions, recommendations via networking, connecting and engaging one another.
This is just one of many opportunities to dialogue as a community.
Respectful Atmosphere. Free Refreshments. Free Admission. Free parking.Free Speech
Contact us at 972-704-5001.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-and-the-role-of-the-black-church-tickets-39260778044
www.mikeguinn.biz
Price
- FREE!
Box Office
- 972-704-5001
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