Source: CDC, 2016. Health United States, 2015
Although at Silver Linings we consider mental health as one of the greatest assets an individual can have, services to help folks obtain it may not be readily available to every segment of our population. Ideally, focusing on on prevention, early identification and intervention with integrated care is the best course of treatment but if mental health is considered a sigma, seeking help may not even be a considered option. Mental health problems are not segmented to just one population, but sometimes African Americans can experience more severe symptoms and mental health conditions due to a variety of variables.
As reported by the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) website and the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African Americans include:
Suicide, among young African American men
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), because African Americans are more likely to be victims of violent crime
African Americans are may also be more likely to experience certain factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition. In recognition of African American Mental Health Month, Silver Lining Counseling is offering a day of free counseling services. On Saturday, July 30, 2016 counseling session are available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The session are 30 minutes in duration and are offered free of charge to everyone, but require participants to schedule an appointment. To schedule your free appointment please email us at Rica@silverliningsfl.com or call 863-370-9502
For more information on Silver Lining and additional services we offer visit SilverLiningfl.com