b'HEALTHThe Wisdom of Obtaining Help When NeededBy Dr. Anthony Young increasedthroughtheuseofonlineplatformsmental health and acknowledge that challenges byBlack/AfricanAmericanspsychotherapiststo mental wellness effects everyone at some point and other providers.Additionally, many gradu- in their life. Absolutely, no one is immune to this H ave you ever wondered why so many Black/ ateprogramsinPsychologychallenge. thanbeingasign AfricanAmericansactivelyavoidengaging(andotheralliedbehavioralRather in appropriate help seeking behavior when facedhealthprofessions)arerec- ofweaknessorasourceof with challenges to their mental wellness? UnlikeognizingthatEuropean/ shame,inactuality,seek-physical ailments, mental illness remains highlywhitestandardsofmentalingappropriatehelpwhen stigmatized and difficult to discuss even when ithealth are not universal anditisneeded,isactuallya becomes obvious to familymembers and closehavebeguntheprocessofsign of strength and wisdom. friendsthathelpisneeded.Althoughmentalincluding culturally informedSupportivefamilymembers, health challenges are normal and typical of thetraining. closefriends,andmembers humanexperience,stigmasofshame,guilt,Although there are literallyof the faith-based communi-andfearofbeingseenasweirdorweakhundreds of recognized men- ty can be invaluable in iden-can impede many from taking decisive steps totalhealthdisorders/condi- tifying appropriate resources proactivelyaddresschallengestotheirmentaltions/problems,depressionfor not only setting up initial wellness.continuestobethemostappointmentsandencour-Too often, mental health treatment is soughtcommon mental health chal- agingsuccessthroughout whileincrisismodethroughhospitalemer- lenge.Depressioniswors- the course of treatment, but gencydepartmentsandcrisiscenters,ratherenedbyexperiencesofrac- also in helping one to remain thanaddressinganongoingproblembeforeism; further increased by themindful that such challenges itbecomesoverwhelming.Whilehistorically,devastationthatCOVID-19towellnessarenormaland formanymentalhealthserviceswereeitherhascreated;toooftencanDr. Anthony Young very much an aspect of this unaffordableorinaccessible,suchwerealsolead to the misuse of intoxi- human experience. typicallyculturallyincongruentandprovidedcatingsubstances,disrup- Dr.AnthonyP.Youngis by psychotherapists poorly trained and/or inex- tions in personal functioning;Past National President of the Association of Black periencedineffectivelyworkingwithBlack/ and result in significant interpersonal conflicts.Psychologists,formerChairmanoftheColorado African Americans.Fortunately, the AffordableNevertheless,stigmasregardingmentalhealthStateBoardofParole,afoundingmemberand CareActhasforcedtheinsuranceindustrytocontinue to persist that prevent many from seek- current President of the Denver-Rocky Mountain cover mental health on par with physical health.ing appropriate help. Certainly, given the currentAssociationofBlackPsychologists,andSenior As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, acces- societalcircumstancesofAmerica,thereisnoPartner of Achieving Healthier Lifestyles, LLC.sibility to psychotherapy has been substantiallybetter time to hang up the hang-ups regarding 6 MAY 2022 BOCNEWS.com'