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Mental Health is: A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life. It is very important that we do not neglect the care and welfare our lives and what it is that makes us a part of a productive society. Without good mental health, our perception of the things around us and who we are will always remain distorted thus preventing transformative change in self, home and community. As Africans in America we must overcome the stigma and effects of post traumatic slavery disorders to better position ourselves away from the systemic tactics that cloud our minds and images of self and a as People. Regardless of where we reside in the Diaspora of the Motherland, we are an African People. Let us continue to pursue all avenues of healing for liberation of our African Minds and Selves. It is also no secret that mental health professionals are taught traditional European approaches and techniques in regards to mental health treatments. There traditional schools of social work and psychology have not equipped mental health professionals to provide effective mental health treatments to descendants of the African Holocaust. WE must provide the resources and continue in the process of healing ourselves. WE must define ourselves and move to the forefront in developing the curricula and clinical approaches that we know will work. Whenever a group depends on another group to define it, then that group will be molded to the specifications of the definer.
Posted By: Amenseph Hetep
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 2:52PM
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Let's see the White American cure for mental illness is Haladol, Effexor, Lithium, Prozac... The solutions is to over medicate....
What ever happened to the days of old... sitting down and talking ....
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 3:10PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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That is what has been truly missing in our homes and communities. We've got to get back to basics to interact and communicate with each other, and not the TV, Radio & mainstream media prescriptions for us.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 3:25PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Hello Hetep,
You said this, “As Africans in America we must overcome the stigma and effects of post traumatic slavery”
Why do you call Black Americans Africans in America? Is not a Black American racially a different person from an African?
Tell me what you think.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 3:57PM
Harry Watley
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I agree.... getting back to the basics is way over due... Thanks for the lessons... I look forward to more of your educating.... Amenseph
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 4:17PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Quote:
Hello Hetep,
You said this, “As Africans in America we must overcome the stigma and effects of post traumatic slavery”
Why do you call Black Americans Africans in America? Is not a Black American racially a different person from an African?
Tell me what you think.
In response;
The usage of the term Africans is to be inclusive of all Black African Americans, Black Caribbean Americans, Black South Americans, Afro Latinos, those who are descendants of African Slaves.
(Even though there are whites that call themselves Africans I am not referring to them in this context.)
There are Blacks in the USA that were born here that do not consider themselves as African Americans or even Black Americans, there have been as other black and brown skinned people (People Of Color) that have migrated from other countries that do not consider themselves as African Americans, Black...
Being Black in America (the USA) doesn't make one an African American. Therefore the usage of the term Africans in America ( North, Central & South America ) is to recognize any and all whose families, cultures and people that have been a product of the Maafa - the African Holocaust.
Far to often we disconnect ourselves from our roots, & connection to Africa; also within all of the areas of people activities in life, we have been programmed to not see ourselves as Africans but to place ourselves in racial and ethnic divisions amongst ourselves that keep us divided (Culturally, Nationally, Ethnically, Racially, Religiously...).
These are some examples of the effects of post traumatic slavery that contribute to some of the conditions of our Mental Health. Many of us unfortunately respond to what others have called us or defined for us as a state of being. Our lack of response and actions to these things justify the degree of social oppressions that others (White America, Western Culture and Philosophies, European Historiography, Racism, White Supremacy...) have placed on us.
What we must be doing for ourselves individually and collectively is to address the conditions as defined in the original statement given about Mental Health. How do we as Africans/Black & Brown people/People of Color deal with our emotional and psychological well beings, and be able to use our cognitive abilities to function effectively within a concept and consciousness of and for ourselves, and not just be complacent with meeting the basic needs of everyday life? We must replace some of the psychotic behaviors that we have been facing with more than just the prescribed medications and the doping down we have been dealing with.
That's some of what I think.
Hotep
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 6:43PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Great teachings brother.... But tell me this... why do you say (effects of post traumatic slavery ).. I guess because I did not live during slavery ....
Of course I can closely relate the stigmas of Jim Crow... Civil Rights... Segregation, etc.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 8:34PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Cynthia some of the underlying effects of PTSD is the results of what we witness in our communities as well as what you have already mentioned.( However I would say that integration was more of a contributor more than segregation, but that another discussion.)
History in itself for the Black/African American has been a major contributor to the traumatic effects which is related to environmental factors contributing to mental illness.
Factors of History for the African American:
• Kidnapping of Africans transported to the Americas
• Separation from family and home
• Physical and s*xual abuse
• Loss of identity
• A life of servitude and fear
• Attempts to the redefining of self - the struggle
All a part of what makes up Post Traumatic Slave Disorders.
This can also be seen more evidently within the collective attitude and mindset of our communities. It is seen as being more treatable for the individual because there is medications and therapy to help the individual. When it comes to our communities, the treatments are drugs and alcohol... The results, effects are fear, disillusionment, mistrust, self hatred.....
I hope that answers your question.
Asante for the dialogue.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:34PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Asante Sana, Siebra Muhammad
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:36PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Hello Mr. Hetep,
You said that we must address the conditions of our Mental Health. You say how would Africans/Black & Brown people/People of Color referring to Black Americans deal with our emotional and psychological well-being and be able to use our cognitive abilities to function effectively within a concept and consciousness of and for ourselves.
Well, first of all to function cognitively effective we must know for certain who we are, am I right. You are not certain about whom we are and that is bad. In addition, since we must be certain of who we are it would mean that we do not have the many choices you gave such as Africans, Brown People and Colored People. Black Americans rationally speaking cannot be all these people, am I right. We can only be one (Black Americans) of your choices and stand ready to prove it.
Now Mr. Hetep, I know that we are Black Americans. I know that we are a new breed or race of people that has emerged out of the ashes of slavery approximately 500 years ago. I know that Black Americans existed nowhere else in this world except in the USA.
Black America’s existence came about when White American people mostly of British descent bred themselves with the African slave people that they purchased from the slave traders when slavery began in this country. The breeding process continued for 300 years, which officially ended after the Civil War.
Black Americans are neither Africans nor Caucasians. Black Americans are a new breed all races of people that has emerged out of the ashes of slavery.
For example, the renowned professor Mr. Henry Gates is indicative of what a Black American is since Whites are at the root of his family tree. Another example is the late author of the famous TV documentary, “Roots” Mr. Alex Haley since Whites are also at the root of his family tree. The children of Ms. Sally Hemming that President Thomas Jefferson fathered is also who Black Americans are. Black Americans are not Africans.
Consequentially, we are Black Americans who are descendents of slaves. Black Americans are a new breed or race of people that has emerged out of the ashes of slavery.
Black Americans are not Africans since slavery defines the difference between a Black American and an African. An African American is a person of African origin that was never a slave in this country, but became an American citizen. That person is an African American.
So, my point is that we could never function cognitively effective unless we know for certain who we are, which includes you, Mr. Hetep as well. Would you agree with me? So, who do you say that we are, but Black Americans?
Tell me what you think.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:36PM
Harry Watley
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Hello Cynthia,
The fact that you, Cynthia are oblivious to PTSD is a testament to how successful the institution of slavery of our immediate ancestors was. Black Americans also suffers from the Stockholm syndrome disorder.
The children of Israel suffered the same PTSD which was evident in the way they lived in the desert uncivilized and fighting each other for 40 years. All of them except for two died that originally left with Moses because the slavery and bondage in Egypt was to traumatic for them to change, mentally speaking.
I expect the same tragedy with us, Black Americans, as we journey towards our sovereignty on the portion of this continent that we could call our very own country with borders to pursue life, liberty, happiness and prosperity in our own way.
Tell me what you think.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:47PM
Harry Watley
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Yes brother it makes sense... But I still see mental illness as part of an individual process.. I will agree that society has placed the environmental stigmas on people of color... But the psychological impact comes from the invididual... how he sees him self... self worth.....
Some individuals cannot handle the social conditions therefore may use and abuse alcohol, s*x, drugs,... as a means to escape from the realities surrounding them. So many social factors effect us individually death, jobs, the economy, finances, relationships ... all psychologica and philosophical issues....
At one time... Psychologist applied PTSD as an explanation to our absent black men in the homes. I didn't know that its been stretched to the degree of "our issues/reasoning behind our issues today"
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:51PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Harry and what psychological disorder do you suffer from.... I've told you... Once I get that medical degree you are going to be my very first patient.... Lobotomy ... I promise you... Im going to find a way to bring it back....
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:54PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Now Brother Amenseph ..... How do you put a spin on this:
Mental Illness is Hereditary... and it's prevalent from generation to generation in some families? Is this also part of PTSD passed down from descendents?
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 9:59PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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I too am enjoying your dialogue.... AND... you have scored a good one here... I love talking about the brain "A BEAUTIFUL MIND"
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 10:01PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Harry I do not agree with you as you ask. You may not be able to function cognitively for lack of knowing your origins, but I don't share those sentiments. Yes we must know who we are, and based upon facts and not just belief, I KNOW my origins and roots to be that of and from Africa. Africans as you imply are not a race. However I'm not going to be baited into a discussion based on the usage of terminology and belief. As you strongly believe in what you consider to be Black American, African, or otherwise, you should start your own blog and fuel the minds that agree with your sentiments and teachings. This discussion as many others that you interject in are not initiated to debate what is Black or African...
In regards to your other comment, the only success of PTSD that I recognize is that within your the statements you have made. It is you who are truly the victim or better yet the fruit of what is known as the Stockholm Syndrome. Your points and reference to Israel, Moses, & Egypt are clear signs of one who has truly accepted your oppressors beliefs and teachings and what you have been told. Rather than dealing with truth and facts. No where in History matches the countless number of African lives that have been victimized and lost through the process of enslavement and the physical/cultural genocide and mentalcide that continues even today. It would be better for you to contribute to solutions rather than propagate the problems.
Do not expect a back an forth on this part of the discussion.
Thank you for sharing.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 10:51PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Cynthia, yes Mental Health/Illness is Hereditary, and a lot of our outlooks of self is past on from generation to generation.
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 10:55PM
Amenseph Hetep
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oooohh... you meet BIA's Black "LOCO" Moses... Self proclaimed man of GOD called to move black folks from bondage and slavery to a new country in the united states with not borders... A very prime example of mental illness...senility or better yet just a plain old crazy fool.....
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 11:03PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Great... Welcome to BIA!!
oh... Watch out for the Prophets .... there are quite a few!!
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 11:05PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Some call them agents
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 11:08PM
Amenseph Hetep
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Agents of what Change? I call them loco.... They will certainly play on ones mental health...
Sunday, June 13th 2010 at 11:10PM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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Bro. Hetep........Interesting subject. With overcrowded conditions at state hospitals and the like, suspectedly there are more Black Americans with mental disorders let out in civil society in America. This is a sad group, with all the pressures in America just to make ends meet. Being not a psychoanalyist, I agree with you that "We must replace some of the psychotic behaviors that we have been facing with more than just the prescribed medications and the doping down we have been dealing with." Otherwise, this group will be discounted.
Monday, June 14th 2010 at 11:11PM
jamal Abraham
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Why would you discount them unless there are serious mental conditions which would limit them from living a productive life.
Most Psychologists think that they have an answer to mental health... Not necessarly so. The Human Brain is such a complex organ... It Baffles even the best Neurologists of the world. The human brain has the ability to shut down (as a cpu) when it gets overloaded, it has the ability to repair from injuries... and it has the ability to store/and release information at any given time....
I grew up when children were just called hyper... Let them run... play until they get tired... today Psychologist/psychiatrists has given this condition all kinds of names ADD... ADHD... Anti Social Disorder.... etc and on an on.... Then they tell parents oh we need to medicate them.....
psychopathical behavior is dangerous behavior... and alot of it, in my opnion stems from how an individual was treated, sees himself, or experiend in his life that was just so tramatic... that's a different form of mental illness...
Tuesday, June 15th 2010 at 8:05AM
Cynthia Merrill Artis
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