Mental Illness is Very Real and Can Be Treated

Unfortunately in the African American, African, Asian, Hispanic cultures & religious community, mental illness and emotional health is frowned upon. Behavioral symptoms that are out of the ordinary are often ignored and taken as weaknesses or a passing phase. 

The brain is a major working organ of the body. Just like the heart or lungs, it too can become diseased. When people are expressing behavior/feelings/emotions that are not normal; not based in reality or rationality; or may be harmful to themselves or others, these are times that we not only react spiritually but we must also attend to their physical needs by finding proper medical treatment as soon as possible.

There is no problem or negative stigma in seeking help from a licensed mental health professional. I myself have dealt with severe depression since the age of 11 and have had to acknowledge that I needed help. Yes I have faith in God! I believe that healing comes from the Most High but as long as I am in this body made of flesh, I also know that I am also vulnerable to disease and illness.

You don't know what will trigger it either, for me it was my father's death. It might be a soldier coming home experiencing the effects of war. It may be the suburban mom overwhelmed by life. You don't know when, but you should be aware of the signs.

From psychiatry.org

"What are the Signs and Symptoms to Be Concerned About?"

If several of the following are occurring, a serious condition may be developing.

*Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
*An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty  performing familiar tasks.
*Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
*Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
*Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy.
*A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
*Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or  “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
*Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
*Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
*Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene.
*Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”

"One or two of these symptoms can’t predict a mental illness. But a person experiencing several together that are causing serious problems in his or her ability to study, work, or relate to others should be seen by a mental health professional. Guidance counselors, teachers or classmates are often the first to notice symptoms."

So I ask everyone to be more aware, more sensitive, and more proactive toward our brothers & sisters who are dealing with mental issues. Let's become better equipped in our  families, communities, schools, churches, and culture at identifying those who may need our support. Let's work together in love and with a unified spirit so we can prevent further tragedy and heartbreak.

ETYMOLOGY! Symbolism: Why Is It so Important

Even without the word "STOP",
 this red octogan lets you know this
signs meaning.

Let's Talk about Etymology! SYMBOLISM! Why is it so important...

Symbols can mean different things to different people. The purpose of a symbol is to convey a meaning. A great example of this is a "STOP" sign. Even without the word "STOP" on the sign, you recognize the meaning of this symbol by a Red Octogan.
 
Symbols come in different shapes and forms. All symbols invoke some type of reaction from the person who is witnessing the symbol at that time and based on the environment or culture they are in at that time, they will react accordingly. Numerals are symbols for numbers. If we are in a classroom environment and there are numerals written on a blackboard or a piece of paper, we are instantly assured that we are learning mathematics. Our mind then tells us to react accordingly to learn math. 
Words can be symbols. The way we arrange words into sentences or phrases can be symbols. The way we say the words: the tone and inflection in our voice, emphasis on certain vowels or consonants, alliteration, enunctiation, and pronunciation; these are all symbols as well. Words as symbols help us to communicate and understand each other. The word "NOW" let's us know that something needs to be done instantly. Based on who says the word or who writes the word and the way the word is said or written, the person recieving or hearing the word will react accordingly.

An example would be a mother instructing their child to take out the garbage.
At first the mother may be calm.
"Please take the garbage out. Thank You."
If the child does do it the first time, the mother may become more agitated and ask again but with more inflection in her voice.
"I thought I told you to take the garbage out. Please take it out." After a second time the child does not take the garbage out, Mom may become angry and use words that are more forceful to convey meaning.
"Take out the garbage NOW!" The child will then take out the garbage. By hearing mother's change in tone and the emphasis on the word "NOW", the child quickly understood the symbolism and meaning behind mother's words. Even when writing this short scenario, the reader can see the change in tone of mother by the use of punctuation or written symbolism to display emotion or emphasis in words.

The Rainbow is a symbol that means
varying things to different groups of
people based on background, religion, &
culture.

Symbols change over time and will change meanings based on the socialization, culture, religion, and background of the persons who acknowledge the symbol. For example, the rainbow. The rainbow in Christian culture was a symbol of the covenant that God made with man that He would not destroy the earth by flood waters again. The symbol of the rainbow in Buddhist culture signifies the highest state acheivable before Nirvana where the desire for indivdualism is extinguised. The rainbow can also be seen across the world on the backs of automobiles as the flag for LGBT unity and the gay pride movement.

Symbols can be born and then symbols can die. What one considers a holy symbol may be considered a pagan symbol to another. And at other times a symbol that was once considered holy can be considered pagan at another time. "Living" symbols can reveal great meaning in people's lives and unveil layers of internal thoughts, religious revelations, and relalities in people.  Symbols can also lose their meaning and power over time based on changes in individuals and the culture around them; these symbols then become "dead".
Paul Tillich, a Christian philosopher, said that a symbol always "points beyond itself" to something that is unquantifiable and mysterious. Tillich goes further to say that a symbol has "depth dimension". Symbols are complex and their meanings can evolve as the individual or culture evolves.

When symbols take on a deeper meaning to people, people can make those symbols into idols. Meaning people will give deity to an object (non-living or living) and worship it. People will substitute the symbol itsself for the meaning that it represents, instead of the internalizing the meaning of the symbol and evolving from that knowledge.

Symbols are very important in our world. Human beings find symbolism and meaning in everything in which we associate ourselves. We find our spiritual, physical, and mental meanings in the symbols we make important in our own individual lives and the lives of those who surround us daily. We must always remember that someone else may not have the same feelings or ideas about the symbols we deem to be important, and that it is okay. We are all different. We all come from different backgrounds and cultures. We all have different ideas about the Higher Power. But we must remember that we are all human and that even in our being different we all have the same desires and needs. Let us all have the same symbolism when we see each other... and that is to LOVE.