AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The National Institute of Mental Health says nearly 1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness.
However, in communities of color, most mental illnesses go untreated.
There are many barriers that prevent African Americans from receiving mental health services, including cost, mistrust, lack of insurance, and the stigma associated with receiving help.
But counseling service Elephant in the Room is doing everything it can to help people get the help they need.
It’s a conversation that needs to happen more.
“One of the things I’ve noticed is that in the black community, we feel like it’s okay to hide and what’s happening in this house stays in this house and not talk about what’s happening elsewhere. And so on,” therapist Jamel Overton said.
It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s also important to ask for help when you’re not okay.
Therapist Clifton Williams says, “The culture that’s been created within black culture has always been a secret. So now we’re telling families, hey, look, it’s okay to talk, the therapy is… You have to understand that this is a safe place for you to go.”
They know what Augusta needs help with most. Augusta is a large military community, so there are a lot of veterans here.
But they’re not the only ones struggling with mental health, counselors say they also see many children.
“They’re trying to do that in families, like braces to break generational curses, because it’s common here in the South,” said Monifa MacArthur, a licensed clinical social worker. There’s a lot of trauma, a lot of domestic violence, a lot of things going on that haven’t been addressed before, and that’s passed down through the generations. ”
They say it’s important to get through it all and ask for help.
“I’ve been to the other side before. I wish I had known how helpful it would be. And I wish I had done it sooner. But I didn’t. So… I hope people see the benefits of coming here,” said Dr. Marcus Campbell, a licensed counselor.
For more information about the mental health services they offer, call 706-750-2809 or visit their website.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
