Mental Health First Aid USA, February 29, 2024
“The history of my ancestors is beautiful and complex. It is powerful, painful, traumatic, and triumphant. We have made and continue to make tremendous contributions to humanity. We commemorate Black History Month by addressing systemic issues, destigmatizing mental health, advocating for equitable access to mental health resources, and celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black people throughout history. , it is essential to expand the discussion around the psychological well-being of Black communities. This approach lends itself to a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of mental health in Black communities within the broader context of Black history and culture. You can contribute.”
— Dr. Kimberly Arnold
Kimberly Arnold, Ph.D., MPH, is a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) research advisor and member of an advisory board of respected mental health research experts, and is responsible for the development of MHFA USA's research initiatives and MHFA courses. I am supporting. As an assistant professor, mental health services researcher, implementation scientist, public health worker, and registered yoga teacher, Dr. Arnold is a health equity expert who works with communities to reduce health disparities experienced by Black Americans. We utilize research in collaboration with She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Dr. Arnold is passionate about improving the mental health of Black communities. She emphasizes the importance of openly discussing mental health, reducing stigma, ensuring equal access to resources, and celebrating the resilience of Black people throughout history. Dr. Arnold is committed to using community-engaged research to research, implement, and evaluate public policies, health services, and community-based solutions to advance mental health equity for Black Americans. I've dedicated my career to it. In this blog of hers, we explore some of Dr. Arnold's reflections on promoting the well-being of the Black community.
Understanding history and shaping the future of well-being for Black communities
“Black History Month provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many factors that have impacted the mental health of Black communities and the many opportunities we have to promote mental health,” Arnold says the doctor. She references Dr. Michelle Sotelo's conceptual model of historical trauma as a framework for understanding unequal health outcomes. The premise of Dr. Sotelo's theory is that populations that have historically experienced prolonged trauma, such as colonialism, slavery, war, or genocide, have higher prevalence of disease, even generations after the initial trauma. That's what it means. The collective trauma that Black Americans have endured for hundreds of years affects physical, social, and psychological outcomes for generations and continues to contribute to health disparities today. To develop new directions and insights to eliminate mental health disparities, it is important to understand how past and present trauma impacts the current health status of the U.S. Black population is.
During Black History Month, we can raise awareness about the mental health challenges that many in the Black community can face and support those in need. Here are some specific ways Dr. Arnold believes this can be accomplished.
1. De-stigmatizing mental health within the Black community.
Stigma often prevents people from seeking help when they need it. Open conversations about mental health, mental health challenges, and types of treatment, especially in places where Black Americans spend most of their time, such as schools, workplaces, barber shops and beauty salons, churches, and other religious organizations. By facilitating and normalizing discussion, we can: Create a more supportive environment where individuals feel able to ask for help when they need it.
2. Advocate for equitable access to mental health resources and services.
Disparities in access to mental health care contribute to existing mental health disparities within Black communities. Advocating for policies, partnerships, and evidence-based interventions tailored to the context of Black communities will ensure equal access to quality mental health care. In addition to traditional mental health services, we promote wellness and self-care practices that can improve mental health, such as meditation, yoga, eating nutritious foods, reducing sugar intake, journaling, and practicing gratitude. It is also important for us to
3. Celebrate the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of Black people throughout history.
This is an important way to promote the psychological well-being of Black communities. Black people, members of the African diaspora, are scattered around the world. The history of black people began in Africa, the cradle of humanity, long before slavery in America. Black people have influenced major civilizations around the world and continue to influence modern culture. Recognizing and highlighting the positive contributions that Black people have made in fields such as science, mathematics, business, architecture, art, agriculture, food, music, literature, and health care builds pride and empowerment, and is good for mental health. may have an impact. .
Dr. Kimberly Arnold's dedication to improving the mental health of the Black community inspires optimism that positive change can occur. Her advocacy for open dialogue, eliminating mental health stigma, ensuring equal access to resources, and respecting the resilience of Black individuals reflects her holistic perspective. By following her example and working together, we can eliminate mental health inequities and improve the overall well-being of Black communities.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog post. There, we detail Dr. Arnold's research and her insights into her advances in the field of community-engaged mental health research.
