National Minority Awareness Month
By Andrea Blackstone
Our mental health state can impact how we think, feel and behave. Dr. Chi Quita Mack, MSW, a Maryland-based social worker, healing and empowerment coach is the owner and founder of The Chi Quita Mack, LLC. She seeks to evoke a positive change in the lives of others.
“The Chi Quita Mack, LLC is dedicated to empowering women by helping them heal their minds through the process of rediscovery. Our mission is to enable women to reclaim their strength, find balance, and thrive both personally and professionally,” said Dr. Mack.
Transformative coaching programs are designed to support female clients at various stages of their journey.
Dr. Mack added, “I offer services that specifically address minority mental health, including one-on-one coaching tailored to help women of color. These sessions focus on overcoming challenges like the stereotype of being the ‘angry Black woman,’ the pressure to hide mental health issues out of fear of appearing weak, and the burden of carrying heavy emotional and social loads.”
During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Mack noted two major challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental health. She first addressed cultural competence.
“Many mental health professionals may not have the cultural understanding or training to effectively address the unique experiences and needs of minority clients. This can lead to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and a lack of trust in the therapeutic relationship.”
Dr. Mack mentioned quality of care as the second major challenge.
“Racial and ethnic minorities often receive lower quality mental health care compared to their white counterparts. This disparity can be due to various factors, including systemic biases, socioeconomic barriers, and limited access to appropriate mental health services,” she explained.
The mental health expert stated that untreated mental health issues can have significant impacts on physical health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even extreme weight gain or weight loss.
“The interconnectedness of mental and physical health means that when one suffers, the other is likely to be affected as well. Addressing mental health concerns is crucial for overall well-being,” she added.
Dr. Mack pointed out numerous health conditions or symptoms that can make the need for mental health treatment ongoing, including chronic Illnesses.
* Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
*Severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder typically require long-term treatment and management.
*Substance abuse disorders often require ongoing treatment for those dealing with substance abuse or addiction to prevent relapse and address underlying mental health issues.
* Individuals who have experienced significant trauma or have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often need extended therapy to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
*Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder may require continuous treatment to manage symptoms effectively.
*Persistent mood disorders, including dysthymia and cyclothymia, often necessitate long-term therapy and medication management.
* Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder often require prolonged treatment to address both the mental and physical aspects of these conditions.
*Disorders such as borderline personality disorder may require ongoing treatment and support to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve interpersonal functioning.
Dr. Mack recommends that individuals should begin a mental health dialogue with their primary care doctor who can provide an initial assessment, discuss symptoms, and refer patients to appropriate mental health professionals.
“Annual checkups, and mental health screenings are often recommended as part of an annual physical exam. This helps to identify any emerging issues early on,” she explained.
Dr. Mack also stated that it is advisable to have a mental health screening during significant life changes or stressful events, such as the loss of a loved one, job changes, or relationship issues. Some guidelines suggest more frequent screenings for certain age groups or demographics that may be at higher risk for mental health issues, such as adolescents and older adults.
The CDC reported in a brief using 2020 survey statistics, 24.4% of non-Hispanic white adults were most likely to have received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, followed by 15.3% of non-Hispanic Blacks.
“The stigma of seeking help for mental health issues in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities is gradually improving, but challenges still exist,” Dr. Mack said.
Dr. Mack also authored “The Beauty in You: A Guide Created to Help You Discover the Best Version of You.” Visit https://www.thechiquitamack.com to learn more about Dr. Mack
