Reflection

I was driven by an interest in Holistic Mental Health in the Black Community and was determined to find an organization concerned with treating mental health issues with a holistic approach. It was disappointing, though not at all shocking, that the results were not very fruitful, and then I found 4ABHN. It showed so much promise. 

It is unique in so many aspects. It is specifically for the African American community in Austin Texas, as a response to an alarming population decline. These residents are facing impairments to their success and well-being at every turn and mental health professionals saw an opportunity to provide an outlet for Black people to get the help they need. It was created to help African Americans who are interested in mental health issues connect with “behavioral health professionals, consumers, youth and their families, faith leaders, and community members." The network identifies and secures a support system for individuals living with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities (Hogg Foundation for Mental 
Health).
In other aspects, this story is not so unique. Twice as likely to face mental health problems and half as likely to obtain help for it, Black people nationwide face an immense amount of trauma in the United States ("Changing Views on Mental Health in the Black Community").  To add insult to injury, there is a stigma in the community surrounding mental health based on an intergenerational mistrust for medical professionals, strong religious ideologies, and a myth of black invincibility. Yet, there are so many people laying the groundwork for an incredibly significant change to be made. 

4ABHN began something beautiful and incredibly necessary in Austin, Texas, but it is far from complete. Therapy alone is not the solution, nor medication, art, or any of these means in isolation. The key to offering a solution to generational trauma such as post traumatic slave syndrome is to look at mental wellness as a complex issue that requires a dynamic approach. Acknowledgement is evident in the proposition of a behavioral health network database but the exhaustive list is almost exclusively counseling. It does not list the countless organizations hosting events dedicated to facilitating conversations about the importance of acknowledging and treating mental illness, or the various services being offered in conjecture with therapy such as: art therapy, meditation, poetry slams, exercise classes and so much more. It is in this capacity it lacks the holism that it alluded to in its mission statement. 

Organizational members meet in person regularly to make connections, foster relationships, discuss current topics, and hear presentations by mental health experts, but there is not enough volunteerism, internships, and events from and for the community itself dedicated to ensuring that members of the community suffering form mental health issues are connected with members of the community who can assist. 

 4ABHN is perfectly poised to encourage a more holistic view of mental health. The roots are firmly planted, it just needs to branch out!