It’s not just about talk, it’s about solutions; Carifika Canada presents Mental Health Matters

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Sometimes it is overwhelming; it is like you are feeling a hundred different emotions, and being unable to deal with any of them. Sometimes it is a silent ache. Eerily quiet; like when you are flying and your ears haven’t popped yet. The only sound you recognize is the sound of your own voice, and those thoughts frighten you to your core.

Sometimes it feels like you are trapped on a boat, surrounded by sharks. People who are safely on the shore are offering you their best advice on how to get back, but giving advice, and being in a situation are two different things. They are not privy to your current feeling; they don’t feel the fear. They are not feeling your helplessness because they are not seeing the sharpened teeth, snapping at you as you look over the side of the boat.

“Then there are those moments when you feel like you are on fire; it is an indescribable pain. You self medicate hoping the pain will stop, but it only dulls it for a moment. This is my mental health crisis.” (Anonymous)

The discussion surrounding African mental health has always been a little tricky to navigate. Many Africans on the continent, and living in the diaspora are not open to acknowledging psychological problems. Our people are apprehensive about seeking professional help for mental health challenges, which is consistent with research surrounding the willingness to explore mental health services.

One of the largest scientific and professional organizations of psychologists in the America’s (American Psychological Association) is at about 121,000 members, and less than 2% of these members are Black/African American. It is no wonder that Africans in the diaspora are worried that mental health care practitioners are not culturally competent enough to treat their specific issues.

This is one of the reasons why on Sunday, June 28^th, 2020 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST, Carifika Canada will be hosting a Mental Health Town Hall Meeting featuring community mental health professionals residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The team at Carifika Canada understand that: cohort effects, exposure to mental illness, and increased knowledge of mental illness are factors that could potentially change beliefs about symptoms of mental illness.

I was honoured when they asked me to be a part of this town hall. What I like most about what is being prepared for the community is the fact that they have moved from just talking about mental health, to offering concrete, and practical solutions that our community can utilize.

This comprehensive and interactive town hall meeting will:

• Address what mental health is, and some of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that accompany these thoughts and feelings.
• Help members of the community identify the types of mental health challenges you might be encountering
• Explore PTSD due to trauma and addressing trans-generational trauma
• Provide solutions, which include coping mechanisms and indigenous solutions. This will be beneficial for those who do not have access, or the funds for a therapist
• Understand the physical and psychological manifestation of mental health in the body

Our community is fortunate to have a dynamic group of mental health experts who will be dissecting each topic, and providing their own personal and professional insight. I would like to introduce to you the Carifika Canada Mental Health Town Hall Meeting panel:

Keith Cunningham, MSc., RP.
Keith is a licensed clinical mental health and trauma specialist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.  His expertise includes individual and family therapy to children, youth and their families across Toronto.

Kerry Wilson- Behavioural Management Consultant
Former member, advocate, and mentor within the Jane and Finch community, mother to a disabled son, and the managing director of S.E.R.F, Kerry Wilson has harnessed the wisdom, insight and understanding of culturally sensitive behavioural therapy.

With a focus on client-centered and holistic approaches to self-care, Kerry uses her knowledge base and community reach to ensure her clients achieve their personal and professional goals, while ensuring behavioural stability, family interaction, and interpersonal success.

Leo D Edwards
A transplanted Grenadian, who now calls Canada home, Leo D Edwards has an impressive academic career, having received his Community Work Diploma from George Brown College, bachelors in social work (BSW), and professional certification in Anti-Racist Research and Practice (CARRP) from York University, as well as a masters in social work (MSW) from the University of Toronto.

Richard Miller (Founder of Keep6ix)
Richard Miller is a driven community leader, dedicated to assisting underserved youth. After experiencing and witnessing misrepresentation, racism, corruption, and injustices experienced by black youth and minorities, Richard decided to establish Keep6ix. It is his passion to bring healing to individuals who have been through traumatic experiences, by ensuring resources and programming are available to prevent incarceration.

The hope with this mental health town hall is to let individuals know they are not alone, and that it is okay to talk about their personal challenges, and seek help.

For more information about how you can be part of this meeting, visit Carifika Canada at https://www.carifikacanada.org/home