No Man is an Island

Mental health issues are a huge concern in Africa, and as a Nigerian, it is safe to say we do ourselves a huge disservice in allowing ourselves to be blinded to it. The more we open up to discourse about what is really happening to people, instead of leaning solely on religion to take care of it, the better and healthier we become. {I had a friend a couple years back, battle with depression and ultimately attempt suicide, he was later diagnosed with and treated for Major Depression (clinical depression); needless to say, the signs were evident}. All too many times, there are so many glaring signs we see in our community; , however, stigma influences us we choose to ignore or ostracize those affected, rather than lend a helping hand.

Adolescence and early adulthood are very critical times in one’s life.With environmental pressures and the now added pressures of social media, growing up in today’s society can be overwhelming . As a result, it is imperative  that parents and educators work together to mitigate these pressures. As Africans and  black people, mental health issues are not discussed openly nor often even accepted as an occurrence that affect our communities greatly. Due to lack of understanding, people may see an adolescent acting up and immediately push blame onto the parents.

No man is an island.As we journey on this path called life, we must strive to lighten the burden on others, and be vigilant to what the signs of mental health concerns look like, especially in the youth who wield the torch for tomorrow.

When dealing with adolescents, we can utilize a five step action plan to help us do that in both crisis and non-crisis situations. This action plan is described using the acronym: ALGEE.

A- Assess for risk of suicide or harm: The young person may engage in behaviour harmful to themselves such as suicide attempts, self mutilation and even extreme weight loss. They may also display behaviour that causes alarm, i.e. aggression or losing touch with reality.

L- Listen non-judgmentally: Respect the youth’s culture, make them feel at ease, providing a safe space where they do not feel judged and can talk freely. Be open to listening and hearing what is really being said.

G- Give reassurance and information: Once the young person feels heard, it is easier to offer support and information. Reassurance encompasses emotional support; empathizing with the youth and expressing a vantage point of hope. Also offering practical help with tasks that may overwhelm the young person. Information about mental health is also a tool.

E- Encourage appropriate professional help: Talk with them about the several helpful options, such as medication, counseling/ psychological therapy, support for family members, assistance with work and educational goals and housing assistance. One may also do so by assisting a parent/guardian/caregiver in accessing appropriate help.

E- Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Promote self help strategies and seeking the support of their close networks, such as family and friends. Encourage mentors and other influential adults in the youth’s life to become involved and steer them to peer support groups and peer mentors. Peer supporters also offer a good amount of support, being that they themselves have experienced mental health issues.

Always respect the family’s right to make decisions to seek culturally based care!!

The bottom line is “Always think about the CARE and not the CAUSE”.

For more information in moving forward:

• National Suicide Prevention LifelIne 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness < www.nami.org >
• Youth M.O.V.E < www.youthmovenational.org >

Uche Iheukwumere, now a Healthcare IT Consultant, earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and Environmental Physics Technology. She spent all of last year working as a College and Career Counselor in Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia. She has a huge love and passion for teenagers, thus she assists in the teenage department at her church. Uche loves the abstract and is all about aesthetics!