HOW MENTAL ILLNESS IS BLACK HISTORY

[As a culture, we have injected some sort of pride in the words: "crazy fool."]

You hit the nail on the head with this one Sister Agnes!! I was commenting on another blog about mental health awareness and how I took out my husband's DSM book of Psychiatric Diagnoses to diagnosis some people I know bases on the symptoms they were exhibiting.

It's funny but not funny how when I asked another nurse who was also Black what psychiatric problem she thought the lady she was speaking to me about had... she looked at me as if she hadn't a clue that the woman could be mentally ill since we don't talk about this subject affecting us even as health professionals. It's always like you said Sister Agnes... It's somebody else's problem. We need to first get out of denial like we as a community have our stuff together, eh?

Definitely, I assume you are referring to the DSM-IV. I half-jokingly always tell my teacher friends that that data resource should be chopped into bite-sized pieces and inserted into the "Family Education" curriculum. It would do wonders for educating our youth about mental wellness and avoiding the pitfalls of substance abuse.

We don't talk about it enough which is why I think I'm the lone voice poster child...lol.

Well, I'm not going anywhere so keep telling folks about your husband's book because whatever way the information has to reach health professionals, etc., let it roll....

Passing the peace, Sis.

Great post! I do think that we often joke about people who have mental illness. However, as with most (if not all things) in life, if we don't think and behave differently, situations and circumstances progress (for better or for worse). Nothing remains the same. I have yet to see that. Even things that appear not to change -- if you go away long enough then come back, you can notice changes where you thought none would ever be.

One can only wonder how many folks self-medicate (i.e. drinking alcohol, s*xual addictions, gambling, taking sleeping pills, sleeping all day and all night, screaming at others to try to "get rid" of unwanted emotions like fear, anger and sadness, taking narcotics).

Thanks for helping spread the word about the importance of mental balance and wellness and the importance of seeking professional assistance when we realize that we are out of balance or not aligned with our source. The mind is layered. A lot of what we think, a lot of what is behind what we say and do and feel is "unconscious" or hidden from us consciously. Hence, the benefits of professional, reputable mental health assistance. It's like having a guide, someone to help us get out of the woods. But of course, we each (each and every one of us) has to do our part.

Denise Turney
Author - Long Walk Up
http://www.chistell.com

Are there any statistics showing the number of correlations pretaining to people of certain religions having more mental conditions then those of other religions.

Hi Sis.' Helen and Denise,

Thank you both for reading this post. Sis. Denise you have some good titles on your website. I may add a few to my reading list. Thank you for sharing.

Sis. Helen I once read that Catholics held the highest number of mental illness diagnoses. I read that a few years ago and I don't recall the source. I converted from Catholicism post diagnosis a few years ago as well. I won't touch that...smile.

I also learned from a therapist several years ago (when I changed beliefs) that I was experiencing a spiritual battle of the mind. The therapists pointed out bible characters who would be diagnosed with a mental condition were they alive today (Noah) as well as genius' such as Albert Einstein (Obssessive Compulsive Disorder) and Patty Duke (Split-Personality Disorder). His point was that I could turn my life around and be successful. I hold on to that still today and since my faith has increased and I have begun studying theology and Divinity, I certainly declare that a spiritual battle exists and the battle can be won!

Yes, we must each do our part to change the mindset of a people who are largely affected by the stigmas of a mental condition. Once I transformed my thinking, I began to soar with recovery. Initially, I hid behind the stigma if that makes sense. Because I was perceived as "crazy," I acted "crazy" and did not care. It became my excuse...."Well, you know I'm Bipolar." With my renewed faith, that became unacceptable when the Lord responded, "So! It's still my world and not yours so getcha butt up, act right, and live with purpose!" I'm stretching, but I pray you understand the deeper message.

Please continue to read my posts and whenever and whereever, please reach out to fight mental illnesses in our culture.

Passing the peace,

Interesting topic. I would venture to say that mental illness is the norm in America. When we think about the conditions in which human beings live; War, Racism, s*xism, pretty vs ugly, and the list goes on. We have created the condition of psychosis or a distorted perception of reality. Living a life of illusion has become a defense mechanism for mental survival. Sanity can not be seen in a world where all things destructive has become a normal and natural way to live. Yes, the natural order dictates that if we have a good day we must have a bad, but when we can't differentiate the bad from the good, then mental illness has set in.
Think about everything you've done in your life to be accepted by someone else ( straightening hair, lightening skin, looking down on others based on their social condition, etc.
What I find even more interesting is who benefits from a mentally ill society, and believe me, someone or some group does.

[Yes, the natural order dictates that if we have a good day we must have a bad, but when we can't differentiate the bad from the good, then mental illness has set in.]

Brother Okpara,
That's stretching things a bit don't you think? Mental Health disorders result from various causes like genetics, environmental, situational, and combinations of other factors. I also hardly think hair straightening or skin lightening qualify as a mental health disorder. I'll check the DSM to see if these things you have mentioned actually are there. Perhaps it may fit under Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, or other Body Distortion Disorders.

Sister Agnes,
I will tell you that I just completed treatment for PSTD/PD which for a long time I had no clue that I was suffering from after the WTC Towers were attacked in 2001. It was only after I had some chest pain that I was diagnosed by my family doctor in 2008 and he referred me to a psychiatrist.

My family doctor asked me what I had been doing right before I had the chest pain and I told him that I had been watching the Republican Nat'l Convention with ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani of NY standing in front of a WTC Tower back drop when I started having chest pain--- he told me that I had PSTD --- and seeing the Mayor and the WTC site triggered my chest pain. I should have known better, but I was like many thinking it happens to other people. This is one sister who is thankful for the medical therapy that I

... I received... The computer missed that or did I... LOL

{Mental Health disorders result from various causes like genetics, environmental, situational, and combinations of other factors.}

As you have demonstrated in your responds, the cause can be from a number of factors, all of which we have been exposed to. Much of the causal situations are intentionally created by those in power who suffer from megalomania. If you are a student of history, you are aware of the chronology of human development and behavior. People of African decent in America were born in a culture of corruption, deception and violence, with a sprinkling of altruistic acts by individuals.

The fostering of philosophy and religion was not just for the purpose of getting mankind to identify with his/her higher self, but also to establish a standard of living that holds self-discipline and self-control as the highest human value. It was the purpose in our ancestors creating the "42 Negative Confession", which was later modified by Moses and called " the 10 Commandments". These laws helped in maintaining a healthy mental set, because everyone could agree on the principles of right and wrong.
The problem in our American culture is that right and wrong has not been collectively defined, because of our multicultural environment ( One Man's Meat is Another Man's God ). Our individual and collective beliefs are challenged daily, especially if it has an impact on the lives of others. Without a true understanding
of the diverse nature of people it could only lead to an unhealthy mental existence,
exacerbated by those who are experts at exploitation and deception. Thus we have the Rush Limbaugh, Pat Robinson and Bill O'Reilly's of the world.

We must always closely examine the Cause and Effect of all things.

I again must champion the Scholarly discourse of Professor Okpara Nosakhere.

I cannot scholarly add anything to this eloquent Information and Powerful Research.

I must though add with jenFad; an emotional condition that I receive when I hear mothers and females in this society----
justify their acceptance of what I read Dr. Okpara refer to as "One Man's Meat is Another Man's God"----

I conclude by theorizing that the African slave females' initial acceptance of the mastersMeat-as god------causes a continuing right/wrongMental disorder with Slave descendants.

[I again must champion the Scholarly discourse of Professor Okpara Nosakhere. I cannot scholarly add anything to this eloquent Information and Powerful Research.

I must though add with jenFad; an emotional condition that I receive when I hear mothers and females in this society---- justify their acceptance of what I read Dr. Okpara refer to as "One Man's Meat is Another Man's God"----

.... the African slave females' ]

WHAT?!!!!!!

Brother Robert,
I'm not pleased with your commen. How dare you summarize my INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE as mere African slave females' emotionalism! I'd like to know what psychiactric disorder are you suffering from? What is it with you 'so called intellectuals' in your own minds' anyway? Your comment is truly s*xIEST and you should immediately reputiate your statement.

My words of "One Mans Meat is Another Mans God", refers to humankind having extremes in religious and philosophical beliefs. For example the Hindu's worship the cow and in other cultures it's dinner. Our mental stability is based on culturally accepted behavior. Conflicts arise when there are contradictions between beliefs and reality. No one takes the time to explain the differences no matter how good or bad they are, leaving our children in a quandary or they reject them all out of psychological self preservation.

How does one teach sanity when sanity is not the norm?
Since diversity is abundant, it calls for greater communication and understanding.
To have a balanced frame of mind is to know, understand and accept that we are fallible. In the words of Sir Richard Francis Burton:

All Faith is false, all Faith is true:
Truth is the shattered mirror strown
In myriad bits; while each believes
His little bit the whole to own.

Since there are so many that proselytize their belief system as the one and only way to truth, that alone lends itself to a paradigm of mental dysfunction or disorder.
Again, we must closely examine the cause and effects of all things.

[My words of "One Mans Meat is Another Mans God", refers to humankind having extremes in religious and philosophical beliefs.]

Brother Okpara,
I understood what you meant perfectly well with your previous clarification to me. You have made a very insightful point in your statement regards;

[Our mental stability is based on culturally accepted behavior].

Western culture has proven to be the demise of many ethnic groups' religious and philosophical belief systems probably not to the degree experienced by the ancestors, but no less with the same long lasting effects.

I see this war of beliefs over and over again in health care with many of the immigrant communities that I find myself taking care. I see doctors and nurses all the time disregard other people's culture with arrogance and mocking as if it's our way or no way or as you put it proselytizing their belief sysytem(s) as the one and only way to truth... I agree and I see your point.

I appreciate your acceptance. Peace!

My Beloved Friends,

(Oh, my brain hurts...lol) ~ I must clearly state that a bona fide mental illness is caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain. While a situation or experience or geneological precept may set it off, it is still a bona fide brain disorder.

No color of skin or hair texture or level of intellect will alter the fact that the brain chemical is imbalanced to begin with. The mores and laws of society could certainly trigger the original brain disorder to manifest into any of the many "mental illnesses;" however, laying dormant can also manifest into a serious mental illness of some type.

Depression existed in biblical times and in Africa before the white man arrived. This is evident in Scripture and African history with the existence and need for witch doctors, medicine men, etc.

Now, a bona fide mental illness will cause among other things, the mind to be unable to determine or discern what is real or what is right, or even what is wrong, etc. Until the brain disorder is brought under control by the aide of synthetic chemicals, faith, both, that brain is basically damaged. That person with a damaged brain cannot and will not succeed in any society or culture. If I were to follow the intellect of Professor Okpara, then I would say that you could take a mentally ill person out of one society and place him or her in another society and the individual would not be going against any mores or laws in the newer society as he or she did in the former society. That logic does not work.

Here's why, when the brain is out of balance, the thoughts of the person are too random bouncing all around to focus on one "thing" for a long period of time in order to honor the "thing." In short, a person with a brain chemical imbalance is not good to his/her family, community, society, etc. in time. This is why in the previous centuries, the mentally ill were locked away. Because it was learned that the brain chemical imbalance would leave any culture in disarray, it was believed that removing the affected brain would restore a balance and the person could be acclimated to the culture or society. We know this failed and we learned that you only get one brain. No substitute or transplants, etc. The best that man can do is to develop chemicals to restore the balance.


In prehistoric days in Africa, the females who had a chemical imbalance of the brain causing post-partum; for example, experienced the same as women today who suffer from post-partum (depression). How the mental illness is treated depends on the culture, society, mores, laws, commandments, etc. In each and every circumstance, if the culture or society desires any resemblance of order, the mental health issues must be addressed. Thus, the use of witch doctors, medicine workers, root workers, physicians, counselors, and in the most extreme --- execution of the mentally ill person who caused havoc on the society.

Ok, so what I am basically saying is this: You can apply all the scholarly intellect you want, but it is scientifically proven, biblically referenced, and documented in slave (African) history that if a persons does not have some form of treatment, he or she will be detrimental to him or herself and community.

It was our fatherly friends from Britain who began to seriously lead the mentally ill to a path of wellness. One of the essential tools (collectively) was to use law and order and human rights according to a civilized society (versus execution of a mentally ill person by barbaric means and putting their skull on a stick symbolic or not for others to see that if you behave "wrong," your skull is next...).

Any mind-altering chemical should lead a person down a path of peace and happiness (pain free) permanently so that he or she can enjoy the reason God created mankind. I believe that most cultures want what is good for their citizens and in any culture, it is transparent who is not "normal." In all those cases, the "abnormal" are then dealt with severely.

Some may say, Allah; others God; and still others, Meat. However, the clear recognition is that there is a leader and in order for that leader to rule effectively, his/her subjects must be of sound, mind, and body or else they will not and/or cannot follow the leader.

The greatest intellects in the world cannot exist pain free, peaceful, and happy with an untreated brain disorder and then death comes. Thus, I stand firm on the cause and effect of a chemically balanced brain leads to peace and happiness. Of course, that means that where there is unrest in a society, mental illness will exist and increase until it is treated. In a society without law and order, the people would be constantly stressed and depressed simply due to the environment being chaotic. That is because our bodies were not designed for surviving (without a brain disorder, smile) in such an environment.

Now, I am going to come to a close by sharing a little case that sticks with me since I studied law. The case involved a group of hikers who entered a cave and the worst happened. The cave shifted and they were buried alive in the cave. Oxygen was lacking and there was four of them. They argued over how to best dig themselves out and to no avail over time. Their rations slowly disappeared. Then they were left with themselves and they were too exhausted from digging and arguing. It came to a point where they had to decide on some basic rules of the cave until they were rescued. They calculated how much oxygen each was consuming and they calculated that in order to survive, somebody had to stop breathing. Then they had to decide on killing one of them in order to eat the flesh to survive. They had to decide who to do the killing. They accomplished this and within hours of killing one of them and carving some flesh to eat and then eating it, they were rescued.

Fast forward, the dead man's family brought suit against the other three and it was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court that because the hikers were removed from "society" and living in a "sub-society" where they were forced to create their own laws of survival, and because murder was not one of them (seriously), none of the three were convicted of murder or cannibalism, BUT ALL THREE WERE TREATED FOR POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER and they went on to write books and make millions. [I forget the name of this very famous case, but it should not be hard to find].

Passing the peace,

{Mental Health disorders result from various causes like genetics, environmental, situational, and combinations of other factors.}
A chemical imbalance is an obvious sign of mental illness. One that all of us know and accept. That which I have written about is not as obvious and needs more attention in defining and correcting.
The laws of nature dictate if there are those who are balanced there are also those who are not. Not everyone can be saved as well as not everyone wants to be.
We can be imbalanced chemically, spiritually or "wantingly".
Chemical is not voluntary, but the others are.
If mental illness is to be examined, then it must be seen from a holistic perspective, which includes all aspects of how a human being is affected.

What you have written is agreeable and completely understood. I have accepted the truths you have given and added an extended piece without denouncing or rejecting your insight. I am able to do this because I take the time to learn about and understand diverse views and opinions. I guess I've chosen the wrong topic to exchange in intellectual dialogue. My mistake.

I love you, too, for putting my brain to work. Praise God I took my meds yesterday. Smile.

Passing the peace,

No No Brother Okpara,
You made no mistake in commenting here, because I thoroughly enjoyed the aspect you argued from (Philosophical/Religious Belief Systems) and our Sister here argued from the side of Chemical/Pharmaceudical/Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Neither in my opinion is wrong, because there is nothing to say that one has to be treated with medication only or therapy only to recovery depending on the cause of the imbalance.

In my case, PTSD/PD it was found to be under control without meds but with exercise and the endorphins being released in my brain naturally helped me to achieve the necessary balance until I stopped exercising due to a major life change. According to my psychiatrist, he said that the inactivity and change in my environmental offset my brain from the equilibrium I was receiving with exercise. As a matter of fact he told me that I had to get back to exercise to get better, because the meds alone wouldn't help me for at leat 4-6 weeks. I no longer take the SSRI I was on, but I'm exercising for the long lasting benefits for my brain.

jenFad,

The AMA has concluded that 50% of Americans have Mental Disorders that require Medical Psychological research.

Now, I was responding to the scholarly Imput from Dr. Agnes and of course I always love the Scholarship of Dr. Okpara Nosakhere----

I found it great reading to go along with my other readings from AMA---My brother was a past president.

I did not refer to you in any harmful way, If, though you were emotionally charged by my use of AfricanFemaleSlave; I apoligize---as it was not for you.

My initial thought was that I was sharing with you, an emotion---making us closer.

I believe you should understand by Now, in reading my short comments on a range of issues, I do not personalize my comments----I came to BIA to shatter, smash Stereotypes and that is my only objective, I have never asked anyone on this site to be my friend----this, as any site, is a History of American/International Thought on a Global Arena.---

Many Americans, become emotional about right and wrong in Dealing with Our Leader President Baraka Hussein Obama

I believe, a prescription for that Mental Disorder is to Change Old ideas, old conclusions and pre2008 Mental Medicines.

Hello Ms. Agnes,

How it is that my opinion is not welcome on your blog that you would delete it?

Are you not contributing perhaps to my depression and mental illness, but ironically claiming to be doing good by posting information on Black America’s mental illnesses?

I do agree with what you are saying. What I am doing for your depression and mental illness as a Christian preacher and Black woman is to show you a perhaps different causes and a permanent solution of Black Americans illnesses.

We could disagree Ms. Agnes without being disagreeable, am I right. Do you suppose that Jesus would have deleted my comment? Jesus did not delete the people that were ready to stone Ms. Mary Magdalene to death. Instead, Jesus intelligently responded by accident anyone that was with sin to cast the first stone. How then could you be an earnest follower of Jesus and would delete my response to your blog?

I made it clear that the depression and mental illnesses of Black Americans has been pass down from our ancestors to us largely due to slavery, am I right. How we would know if I am wrong is that if we behave the same way after becoming a sovereign people on a portion of this continent as we do now, then you could say I am wrong in my prediction that our depression and mental illnesses is largely due to slavery. Consequentially, you must desire of God that we become a free and sovereign people.

We could readily see that from the Hebrew people backsliding many times perhaps they were still suffering from depression and mental illnesses due to their bondage and slavery in Egypt. However, I promise God we will not do the same as the Hebrew people did.

So, tell me why are you so disagreeable and negative?

Welcome Back Brother Harry ((((HUGS & KISSES TO YOU))))) you have been MISSED!!!!!!!!!!


[I did not refer to you in any harmful way, If, though you were emotionally charged by my use of AfricanFemaleSlave; I apoligize---as it was not for you.]

Emotionally charged that I was Brother Robert, but nonetheless God created me that way--- with emotions that aren't weaknesses. At any rate, I appreciate your coming back to clarify yourself. I don't look for friends here either, but I am glad when I meet them here and on other sites.

People are what make the world go round rather than gravitational pull and the Earth rotating in its own orbit --- this is what scientists have yet to discover... That's my Titilating Intellectual Discourse for you Brother Robert... And you sir are yet to discover that God created the human female smarter. ((Ha!!))

Hello Ms. Jen,

I feel welcome that you missed me. I surely missed you as well. I love all of you.

No, emotions are not weaknesses. However, good emotions do better than bad emotions. Since you recognize that you are emotional, it is your responsibility to use it for the best.

However, do you believe that Black America’s mental illnesses have been passed down to us from our ancestors because of how they live during brutal slavery?

Tell me what you think.

[...do you believe that Black America’s mental illnesses have been passed down to us from our ancestors because of how they live during brutal slavery? ]

That's a good question and one that I do not have an answer to. Oh listen Brother Steve was also asking about you as well so you know... I'm not the only one who missed you.

My Dear Bro. Harry,

[How it is that my opinion is not welcome on your blog that you would delete it? ]

I have not deleted any comments from this blog. I don't know where this comment is coming from.

[Are you not contributing perhaps to my depression and mental illness, but ironically claiming to be doing good by posting information on Black America’s mental illnesses? ]

This is the first I have learned about your health and I assure you that my reluctance to contribute to any of your posts is simply because I disagree with your philosophical ideals. I believe I shared that after reading the first few of your posts. I feel it is pointless to engage in back-and-forth dialogues when I clearly disagree and see my position or feelings unchanging. If and whenever I feel led by the Sovereign God I serve to write or comment, I do so.

Please understand also that everybody's post is not for everybody every time. My Sovereign God has led me to share information, but I cannot make people read it, accept it, or live it.

[I do agree with what you are saying. What I am doing for your depression and mental illness as a Christian preacher and Black woman is to show you a perhaps different causes and a permanent solution of Black Americans illnesses.]

My friend, I respect that we have differing perspectives. That means that I have agreed to disagree with your perspective and so it is not necessary for me to continually engage in arguing my perspective against yours. While I sometimes skim your posts, I see no point in commenting that I still disagree.

[We could disagree Ms. Agnes without being disagreeable, am I right. Do you suppose that Jesus would have deleted my comment? Jesus did not delete the people that were ready to stone Ms. Mary Magdalene to death. Instead, Jesus intelligently responded by accident anyone that was with sin to cast the first stone. How then could you be an earnest follower of Jesus and would delete my response to your blog? ] ...

[So, tell me why are you so disagreeable and negative?]

I also will not argue my Sovereign God's doctrine. It is there for your knowledge and your understanding. It is unchanging as well. I glean from you that you like to tease folks into discussions for the sake of sharing your views and you have every right to do so just as others have every right to engage you. I choose to disengage you in the love of Christ.

Sis. Jen, exercise is certainly a key element to any wellness plan - physical or mental. You are blessed to have sought treatment early and discover ways to cope and manage PTSD.

The average African-American does not, however. There are many forms of therapy that only a doctor can assess at the point of meeting the patient and diagnosing him or her along with self-advocacy. When we become diagnosed with an illness or disorder and develop ways to cope and manage, I believe that over time there should be improvement that would inlcude changes in therapies accordingly. Where I was in 1993 when I first became diagnosed with a mental illness, I have recovered significantly due to my wellness plan and self-advocacy. In my ideal world, every black person with a diagnosed mental condition would be tremendously improved with initial treatment therapies.

We know that the reality is that untreated mental conditions hurt everybody and there are too, too many negatives associated with untreated mental conditions. That's why I am always sharing info and praying, too. Smile.

Passing the peace,

Evangelist Agnes Levine,

I apologize for focusing on the titillating and emotional jenFad.

I personally, and I think my writings are all consistent, that any Man, in 1865, that would take christianity as taught, implemented and presented by the slaveMaster from 1492-1864 on his family, IS THE HEIGHT< APEX< TOP OF MENTAL DISORDER and that man/woman could only Spawn, Mentally deficient offspring.

On the same point, when the Master, realized, what? you want MORE. Master too could only spawn what we have seen since 1865-2008.

Thank the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth for the Blessing of President Baraka Hussein Obama for his destruction of old and His Change; WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

Hello Ms. Agnes,

I thought I had commented several times on this blog of yours. However, since you said that you have not deleted any of my comments I will accept what you say and apologize.

Hello Robert,

You said this, “I personally, and I think my writings are all consistent, that any Man, in 1865, that would take christianity as taught, implemented and presented by the slaveMaster from 1492-1864 on his family, IS THE HEIGHT< APEX< TOP OF MENTAL DISORDER and that man/woman could only Spawn, Mentally deficient offspring.”

Robert, this is a very good point you have laid down. However, Ms. Agnes is the same as Irma is. They do not respond to anything challenging. They see things only as they want to see reality.

Anyway, I just wanted to compliment you on your good rational sense.

[I apologize for focusing on the titillating and emotional jenFad.]

(negro)

Sister Agnes,
Thanks for your response regarding my 2 cents... seeking treatment early is always the best in my opinion.