Tag: mental health
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston
Join us for a conversation with Praveena Lakshmanan. She will be sharing about who the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston is and the work they have been doing over the past few months.
April 11 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm CDT
About our Featured Speaker:
Praveena Lakshmanan
Ms. Lakshmanan, Community Engagement Program Manager for Refugee Services at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, is a seasoned advocate for migrants, refugees, and underserved populations. With expertise in migration and gender issues, she manages the initiatives for refugee women, men, and youth programs as well as for volunteerism. Praveena, a first-generation immigrant, intimately understands the challenges faced by newcomers. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, and Malayalam, she ensures culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services for refugees and underserved communities.
Free
theciajenkins@hcdvcc.org
Domestic violence is, as you know, a harrowing societal issue that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. As we look ahead to 2024, it is mandatory for us to collectively strive for a future marked by diminished violence within our homes and communities. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement all play pivotal roles in this endeavor, working in tandem to raise awareness, improve education, and intervene effectively.
The Power of Active Bystanders
A fundamental aspect of reducing domestic violence lies in the empowerment of community members to become active bystanders. Such individuals are not merely passive witnesses but rather conscientious and courageous individuals willing to take action when they witness potentially abusive situations. The steps toward becoming an active bystander are as follows:
- Recognizing the Signs: Education is key; community members must familiarize themselves with the signs of domestic violence. These may include physical injuries, emotional distress, social isolation, or controlling behavior.
- Intervening Safely: When encountering an abusive situation, active bystanders should approach it calmly and non-confrontationally, prioritizing the safety of all involved parties. Offering support to the victim and discouraging the abusive behavior are crucial steps.
- Seeking Professional Assistance: In situations that may escalate or pose immediate danger, it is essential to call the police or a domestic violence hotline promptly. Timely intervention can be life-saving.
- Providing Ongoing Support: Beyond the crisis, active bystanders should offer sustained support to victims. Encouraging them to access local resources such as shelters, support groups, and counseling services can be instrumental in their healing journey.
Speaking Out: The Power of Voices
Silence is an accomplice to domestic violence. Community members must be encouraged to speak out and report abusive behavior when they encounter it. By doing so, they can become agents of change in their communities. This can be accomplished through:
- Reporting to Authorities: When witnessing or suspecting domestic violence, individuals should not hesitate to report it to law enforcement. Their information could be the catalyst for protecting a victim and holding the abuser accountable.
- Supporting Survivors: Encourage survivors to report abuse and provide unwavering emotional support throughout the process. Assure them that they are not alone in their journey toward justice and healing.
Empowering Law Enforcement Through Education
Law enforcement agencies are crucial players in addressing domestic violence. By enhancing the education and training provided to officers, we can ensure that they respond to these situations with sensitivity, expertise, and empathy. Improvements in this area should encompass:
- Specialized Training: Police departments should offer comprehensive, specialized training to officers on how to handle domestic violence cases. This training should encompass understanding the dynamics of abuse, victim advocacy, and de-escalation techniques.
- Cultural Competency: In a diverse society, it is paramount that law enforcement officers receive education in cultural sensitivity and diversity. Different communities may have unique needs and barriers when dealing with domestic violence.
- Collaboration with Advocacy Organizations: To develop a coordinated response that prioritizes victim safety, law enforcement agencies should work closely with domestic violence awareness agencies and advocacy groups.
Fostering Community Awareness
Building a safer future begins with fostering awareness within our communities. Several strategies can be employed to achieve this:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns through local media, social media platforms, and community events. These campaigns should educate people about domestic violence, its signs, and the resources available to survivors.
- Education in Schools and Workshops: Integrate domestic violence education into school curriculums and community workshops. By teaching young people about healthy relationships and how to recognize abusive behavior, we can shape a future generation equipped to prevent domestic violence.
- Accessible Resources: Ensure that the community has easy access to vital resources, such as helplines, shelters, and counseling services. Make this information readily available to those in need.
Reducing domestic violence in 2024 and beyond necessitates a concerted and collective effort. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement must collaborate to create a safer environment for everyone. By becoming active bystanders, speaking up against abuse, enhancing law enforcement education, and raising community awareness, we can draw closer to a future characterized by reduced domestic violence and increased support for survivors. Together, we can make a significant difference and ensure that every individual has the right to live free from fear and abuse. Let our shared commitment to this cause pave the way for a brighter, safer tomorrow.
As another year ends, it is time to reflect on the year that was. 2023 what a year! I remember looking forward to such a wonderful year (especially after surviving the chaos of Southwest Airlines!) But never did I imagine what the world had in store for us. Two major wars raging, not to mention all the smaller conflicts that get little to no media coverage. Political turmoil, poverty, homelessness, hate crimes, and senseless violence throughout our country and the world. We lost many famous people this year (here is hoping you are eating a cheeseburger in paradise Jimmy Buffett and could heaven be any nicer for you Matthew Perry).
While I could fill line after line of all the terrible things that occurred this year I do want to reflect on some really good things:
- The smile of a random stranger
- The laugh of a child
- A really needed hug
- Cuddles with a pet
- Supporters/funders who really understand what we need
- Partners that are willing to work together
- Watching co-workers blossom
- Being able to say yes when everyone else has said no
- The kindness of people
- The strength and resilience of our clients
- The strength and resilience of each one of us
I realize 2024 will bring many challenges, some that we know of, and I am sure many more we do not anticipate. But I cannot help but have gratitude for the things above and many more I did not list. I heard a friend say the other day, someone told her they start their day off with three things they are grateful for. So, I challenge you as I am challenging myself, to start your list of resolutions by finding at least one or two things to be grateful for every morning. My hope is that by the end of next year, your gratitude list is longer than just the few same old things each day!
Happy Holidays and cheers to an amazing New Year!
About the Author
Senior Director of Operations and Communications at HCDVCC,
Amy Smith
For Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s discuss the connection between people experiencing intimate partner violence and mental illness. Did you know that people who are victim survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have higher rates of experiencing mental health issues, like PTSD, anxiety, and depression? Some research suggests 3 times more likely. And did you know that people with chronic mental health conditions are at higher risk for experiencing intimate partner violence? Some research has reported that 30-60% of women with mental health diagnoses will experience IPV.
On a personal note, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, have helped many others through mental health crises, processing trauma, and am as much of an expert as one can be on most things interpersonal violence. I am also a victim survivor of dating violence myself and struggle daily with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It‘s been over 25 years since experiencing abuse, and then I went through therapy, focused on healing, and made a career of helping others, and it still impacts me. I hope this illustrates the power that abuse has over our mental health. Of course, other stressors have popped up over the years, even some traumatic experiences, but this violence I experienced early in life started my brain on the path of trying to constantly remain in survival mode to protect me, and it has never been the same.
We don’t have to be experts on the brain to understand how the brain responds to and is impacted by trauma. The bottom line is that when we experience things that make us feel like our lives are in danger, chemicals flood our brains in response to the threat. The harm does not have to literally be a life or death situation, as long as we are feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and scared. The more we experience this harm, the more challenging it is to get our brains back to functioning like before when we felt safe. This can make life very difficult. These changes can create triggers, impact our memory and executive functioning, tell us not to trust others, make us question everything, and put us in a near constant state of reactivity. Our brains want us to be prepared for trauma if it happens again. This can lead to chronic symptoms of mental illness.
Now that we understand how experiencing abuse can increase our chances of facing mental health challenges, let’s also explore why those already suffering with mental illness are at a higher risk. Unfortunately, many people who suffer with mental illness can struggle with functioning at work, in relationships, carrying out daily household tasks, etc. They can try to cope with symptoms through isolating themselves, disconnecting from their support system, changing jobs and housing often, and can have lower self esteem than those who do not experience these symptoms. A lack of self-worth and a lack of stability and resources can place us in a position of great vulnerability. Vulnerability in a person can be an abuser’s most formidable tool to obtain power and control over them.
I have been provided with empathy and support over the years and have learned how to carry my trauma in a way that empowers me now. Luckily, most days, my brain follows my lead. The greatest gift that you can give a victim survivor who is struggling with their mental health is to educate yourself about these topics and provide them with radical empathy. This is true of those who are dealing with mental health diagnoses as well. Too often in our society, both these groups are victim-blamed, not believed, ignored, and told that they need to “get over it”. Changing this narrative within the communities and groups that we engage with is a powerful first step to making lasting change.
About the Author
Cathryn Councill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the Director of The SAFE Office at Rice University.
Racism has been embedded within American culture for centuries and in turn the U.S. healthcare system. This has led to mental health inequities in the African American community over time. Despite the current popularization of addressing individual mental well-being, the African American population continues to suffer. Mental health remains less researched, resourced, and advocated for equitably within the African American community.
The healthcare system in the United States of America has often engaged with members of the African American community as experimental subjects rather than as patients deserving of respect and quality care. US history is littered with examples of this racist-driven treatment. From the utilization of involuntary institutionalization as a form of punishment to the Tuskegee experiment in 1932, the healthcare system has been another avenue through which African Americans have been oppressed. During slavery, mental health as an aspect of the African American population’s health was often denied or misused to justify further subjugation (“The Historical Roots of Racial Disparities in the Mental Health System.” Counseling Today, 2020.) Following the abolition of slavery, the provision of equitable health services (including mental health) for African Americans was not deemed a priority. This led to less research, advocacy, overall investment, and corresponding healthcare policies being enacted. All these factors could have helped address pre-existing and emerging mental health inequities. Today, we can observe the results of that neglect when peering at the lack of quality healthcare providers/facilities situated in communities with many African American residents, insufficient cultural competency training for future health care providers, etc.
Inaction and apathy rooted in racism have permitted this inattention to the mental health of African Americans to be observable on all socio-ecological levels. Although rates of mental illnesses in African Americans are similar to those of the general population, disparities exist regarding mental health care services (Primm A, 2010). According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Mental Health Facts for African Americans guide, “African Americans are less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, less frequently included in the research, and more likely to use emergency rooms or primary care (rather than mental health specialists)”. “Which has led to only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receives it” (Dalencour M, 2017). Many studies have highlighted how factors like health care provider bias, inequality in healthcare services have driven this health inequity.
Currently, we are experiencing a massive shift in our collective regard for mental well-being. The pandemic and social unrest have thrust our nation into a discourse about our nation’s values. This has included mental health. Many have had to recognize the past and resulting compound, vicarious, historical and, racial trauma experienced by many, particularly the African American populace. Healthcare is a social determinant of health and addressing the widespread health-related inequities plaguing the African American community is imperative. This is inclusive of mental health. To properly address the preexisting and growing psychological needs of African Americans, we must explore current research into innovative and culturally competent therapeutic frameworks and interventions.
One way to support black mental health is promoting access to culturally competent mental health services. This means providing care that is sensitive to the cultural and racial experiences of black individuals and ensuring that black individuals have access to therapists and other mental health professionals who understand and can address their specific needs.
Resources:
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Therapy for Black Men
• Black Men’s Health
• Find a Black Provider
Another way to support black mental health is by fostering safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their experiences and emotions. This can be achieved through community-based initiatives, support groups, and online forums.
Resources:
• National Alliance of Mental Health
• Black Mental Health Alliance
• Black Millennial Mental Health
It is also important to invest in education and awareness programs that promote mental health literacy and encourage early intervention and treatment. This can include workshops, seminars, and community events that educate individuals on the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and how to access resources and support.
Resources:
• Black Mental Health, 988
• Mental Health First Aid
• Mental Health in the Black Community
• MHA of Greater Houston
• Take a free, confidential mental health screening
By working together, to amplify these spaces and resources we can break down the barriers to mental health care and create a brighter future for black individuals and families.
About the Authors
Sharifa Charles, Professional Development Specialist
Nicole Milton, Training Manager
As a Lead Trauma Support Partner (TSP) and License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I wanted to touch on the effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health, since its Mental Health Awareness Month. We know from research that domestic violence (whether you’ve endured it personally or witnessed it as a child) increases one’s risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal behaviors and PTSD. But what do these “labels” actually look like in the day to day? People think depression is “feeling down or hopeless” and while that’s true for a lot of people, depression can also look like irritability, increased or decreased appetite, need for sleep, and /or interest in sex. It can also look like someone no longer doing the things that they used to enjoy like connecting with friends or family, participating in a hobby or pleasurable activities. Similarly, people think anxiety is “intense worrying’ but anxiety can also look like increased irritability, difficulty concentrating or restlessness (feeling like you always have to be doing something) or feeling like something bad is going to happen. Maybe you’re short tempered with your kids or peers. Maybe you’re on edge all the time. These are all symptoms of anxiety. Lastly, people think PTSD is “flashbacks and hypervigilance” and again that is true, but PTSD can also look like difficulty concentrating, memory problems or forgetfulness, impaired functioning at home, school or work, feeling numb, wanting to be alone, engaging in risky behaviors and difficulty falling asleep. Its important to recognize these “other” symptoms so that you can get help (if you’re the trauma survivor) or you can adjust your interventions (if you’re the advocate). If you’re the trauma survivor and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to someone – a trusted medical or mental health professional, a clergy member, a family elder, a friend or call 988 – the national crisis line if you’re in a mental health crisis. If you’re an advocate, ask the right questions, connect your client to services, be patient and understanding and most importantly, educate your clients about these other less common symptoms because it just might be what they needed to hear to seek out support. With so many service options (in-person, via tele-health and even text messaging), it’s never been more accessible to get the help you need. Join me this month as we work towards bringing awareness to mental health.
About the Author
Desiré Martinez, LCSW-S is a Lead Trauma Support Partner for HCDVCC.
Categories
Healthy Relationships
1 in 3 teens will experience some form of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a dating partner and approximately 8.5 million women experienced sexual assault before the age of 18. Teen dating violence, a form of intimate partner violence, is the most prevalent form of youth violence – affecting youth regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
Just a couple months ago I was invited out to Austin, Texas to conduct a training for a group of young college-aged women. I began my presentation with the same eye-opening activity I always use – “Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, raise your hand if you either have experienced or know someone who has experienced some form of intimate partner violence. Now open your eyes and look around.” There was not a single hand in the room that was not raised…
After concluding my presentation with the young women, a few came up to me to express how they wished they had the opportunity to learn about healthy relationships before they had started dating. So, here is where you come in – preventing teen dating violence requires a broad coalition of parents, schools, and community organizations to join forces to start having conversations about healthy relationships at an early age.
Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent teen dating violence:
- Become a trusted source for information about relationships – talk about relationships, including difficult topics like red flags, sex, and dating violence.
- Teach your children about healthy relationships – how to form them and how to recognize them. Healthy relationships are built on trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise. Children need to hear about what constitutes a healthy relationship and how safe relationships are established.
- Encourage children to be assertive – to speak up for themselves and voice their opinions or needs. Teach and model ways to say “NO!”
- Help children recognize warning signs of an unhealthy relationship – include jealousy, controlling behavior, and other red flags.
- Encourage children to be active bystanders – to take action/give support when a friend is in an unhealthy relationship.
Effective prevention and action has been seen to significantly decrease cases of intimate partner violence in teens. If you are interested in learning more about healthy relationships or wanting to set up a healthy relationships training, please email tishya@dayahouston.org.
Let’s do our part to decrease the number of hands that go up when asked “raise your hand if you either have experienced or know someone who has experienced some form of intimate partner violence.”
About the Author
Tishya Bedi is the Director of Outreach and Education at Daya Houston.
