Three things every Black family should know

Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time for Black families to reflect on their collective goals and values. As we prepare for family trips, family reunions, and cookouts, let us also prepare to fortify the mental and emotional wellbeing of our families by getting “in the know”. 

1) Know your family’s mission statement.

Joshua led the nation of Isreal to the fruition of what God had promised their forefathers. During his tenure of leadership, Joshua wore the hats of crisis manager, warrior, motivator, spiritual guide, and more. What a huge set of responsibilities! As his full and prosperous life was coming to an end, Joshua set one more lasting example by declaring before the Israelites, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV). 

What can you declare about your family? What do you want your family to be known for? What do you want your family to accomplish? Have conversations over family dinners or family walks to discuss your family’s mission statement. Allow everyone to contribute as you consider the ideals that you collectively value. As your family experiences growth, challenges, and abundance, continually refer to this mission statement to ensure you are staying the course. 

2) Know healthy ways to manage family stress.

Recently, Temple Fit Health, Inc. 501(c)(3) and the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Center for Ethnic Psychological Research & Application (FAMU CEPRA) hosted the fifth edition of the Mental Health Literacy Series (MHLS 5). This program focused on the “4 S’s of Reslience,” as tools to help manage family stress and family conflict. The next time your family encounters a challenge, consider using one or more of these tools:

Support – Is there someone who has provided you with supportive advice in the past that you can refer to?

Strategies – What methods have you used before to help you during difficult situations?

Sagacity – What are some affirmations or other words of wisdom that have kept you grounded and provided perspective?

Solution-seeking behaviors – What actions can you take to get you to the next step?  

The presenters for MHLS 5 were FAMU CEPRA Scholars and Community Psychology graduate students Tiaunte’ Diggs, Coonima Kennedy, and Veronica Mixon. While detailing how to put the 4 S’s into practice, they also encouraged every family to, “Learn how to act and not react.” Try role-playing the 4 S’s with every age group in the home, so every family member has the skills to embrace personal and collective wellness.

3) Know your resources.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) acknowledges several barriers to mental healthcare, such as socioeconomic disparities, stigma, provider bias, and inequality of care. Therefore, it is imperative that Black families both encourage their relatives to seek mental health support when needed, and that they utilize such support themselves. Having your resources lined up and ready before you need them is paramount to maintaining good mental and emotional well-being.  

Some resources discussed during MHLS 5 include the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8225), and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Locally, 2-1-1 Big Bend can put you in touch with a healthcare provider and connect you with helpful resources near you. On the web, www.nami.org has information and tools specifically to support Black and African-American populations. 

It is also important that we support organizations that are committed to the development of healthy youth and families, such as these MHLS 5 community partners: Capital City Youth Development Corporation; Coping Connections; Day of Dialogue on Minority Health, Inc.; FAMU DRS Freedom School ; FAMU TRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC); FSU Center on Better Health and Life for Underserved Populations; FSU Panama City Pre-collegiate Programs (Talent Search & CROP); New Mt. Zion AME Church; Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; Temple Fit Co. Wellness Education & Events Agency. 

At your next family reunion, family dinner, or other family gatherings, consider introducing your immediate and extended family to these healthy strategies. Take time to workshop each concept, so the tools are ready when you need them. While some may be eager to get started, and others a bit slower to get on board, continue to encourage conversations that collectively support and promote your family’s health and wellbeing.

Dr. Asha Fields Brewer is a creator of healthy conversations. As a national speaker and published author, she teaches the busy and overwhelmed how to live life abundantly. She is the owner of Temple Fit Co. wellness agency, which is home to 25-plus wellness speakers and fitness instructors. Tune in to “Temple Fit Devotions with Dr. Asha” on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. on Hallelujah 95.3 FM.