Executive Director’s Blog: Black History Month

I recently attended an event celebrating Black History Month, and one of the organizers concluded with the admonishment: “Every month is black history month.”

It got me thinking. Thinking often leads me to internet research, where I explored the history of “Black History Month” a bit further.

As I continued chasing new thoughts and insights, I noticed a theme each year during these February celebrations. Here’s the theme for 2024:

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.”

Which brings me back to the event I attended at the Varsity Cinema. An artistic celebration of a documentary film directed by Craig Farley, Jr.: Through the Lens: Black Visionaries on Mental Wellness. The project was born of a cohort of the African American Leadership Academy, sponsored by The Directors Council. If you don’t know their work, it’s worth a visit.

The Directors Council, in their own words:

As a coalition of leaders, The Directors Council seeks to improve the conditions of the individuals in the neighborhoods we serve. We pool our collective expertise to develop programs and launch unique initiatives that meet unaddressed needs. 

How does all this relate to our work at the Center? Some of the visionaries highlighted in this project include Kayla Bell-Consolver and Breanne Ward. Kayla led us in some training around the effects of racism and generational trauma a couple of years back. It gave our therapists numerous insights about how to address such issues for clients therapeutically. Breanne has served on our board and continues to inspire us on how we might best serve our community, particularly if we want to be a welcoming place for communities of color.

The documentary struck me in many ways. What does mental wellness mean, given the diversity of definitions based on our communities of origin? How does stigma affect diverse communities? What are the resources for mental wellness beyond professional therapy? What is the role each of us offers when it comes to the well-being of others?

Lots to ponder—and the documentary was only 38 minutes!

One of our strategic objectives at the Center is that the demographics of the people we serve match the demographics of Central Iowa. We stand with The Directors Council, looking to explore and develop programs that meet unaddressed needs. To do this, we need to focus on hospitality and being present to our community to be a trusted resource for the many communities represented in our neighborhoods

It’s nice to have a reminder in February of the many contributions made by the African American community to improve mental health and wellness. As a wise person told me recently, such acknowledgment isn’t just for one month, but every month.

Be well,
Jim

Executive Director’s Blog: Juneteenth

We are closed Monday, June 19. Why?

Juneteenth.

On June 19 we acknowledge and observe Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the day that the end of slavery was announced in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth has been celebrated by the Black community since the late 1800s. Juneteenth represents freedom and justice for Black Americans, and in recognition of that it is appropriate for us to pause and reflect on how important ending structural racism and promoting mental health equity is for the Black community, other communities of color, and our society at large.

For my newsletter reflections this month I’m stitching together a number of different citations and resources to help us deepen our understanding of this holiday and its relation to our mission.

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19th to honor the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday can be traced to Galveston, Texas, where approximately 2,000 troops arrived on June 19, 1865, and announced the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas. Before this day, some people remained enslaved despite the Emancipation Proclamation, which was passed in 1863 to free slaves in the U.S. In places still under Confederate control – which included Galveston, Texas – many people remained enslaved until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all enslaved people free. But it was more than two years later, on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to inform enslaved Black people there that they were in fact “free.” Texas was the last state in the Confederacy to receive word that the Civil War had ended, and slavery had been abolished. Of course, what followed that day was an ongoing series of efforts to continue denying Black Americans their freedom and ultimately their humanity.

On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday

The holiday is the undeterred and celebratory response to systemic oppression. Juneteenth also relates to another event, Black History Month, which strives to celebrate the contributions and acknowledge the sacrifices made by African Americans. Juneteenth is a declaration of Black humanity and identity. An identity that directly informs mental health and well-being. We decided in 2020 to make Juneteenth one of the annual holidays during which the Center is closed. There are intimate connections between this holiday and our mission of providing quality mental health services. The holiday gives us a chance to step back and reflect on how we might improve any gaps in our services.

Racial Inequity in Mental Health Care

Resilience. Joy. Community. Liberation. There are an infinite number of concepts wrapped up in this holiday. However, underscoring all of those is one fundamental idea that gives rise to all the others:

Humanity.

With history in mind, Juneteenth is an opportunity to point out and condemn modern examples of racial inequity in all areas of life – including mental health care. These injustices persist in the U.S. and elsewhere, and as advocates for equity, we must remember that the end of slavery did not mark the end of all racial injustice.

In the context of mental health, the difference between equity and equality influences our ability to support people of all backgrounds, especially those who belong to racial and ethnic minority groups. For some of us, Juneteenth may be one of the few days of the year when we openly discuss this distinction – but for lasting change, these discussions must continue past June.

Based on national details gathered by the American Psychological Association (APA), people from racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive mental health care. In 2015, they found that among adults with a mental illness, 48% of white people received mental health services, compared to 31% of Black and Hispanic people and 22% of Asians.

Racial discrimination as well as cultural norms can prevent people from getting quality mental health care. Our cultural upbringings shape our perspectives on mental illness, and in some cultures, mental illness is more stigmatized and may be viewed as a source of shame, rather than a legitimate health concern.

Though we do our best to avoid inequity in our services, we must acknowledge that in many mental health settings cultural nuances are often complicated by racism itself. Care providers are much more likely to diagnose Black American clients with schizophrenia and overlook the symptoms of major depression, compared to their treatment of clients with other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Similarly, Black children are over-diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder relative to white peers, which promotes poorer educational and health outcomes.

Research clearly demonstrates the impacts of racial discrimination on healthcare and long-term wellbeing. Juneteenth might occur just once a year, but it’s an enduring reminder that racial equity is both a historical and modern-day issue, and it impacts all dimensions of a human life.

What Does Mental Health Equity Look Like?

Mental health equity looks like equitable, fair reach to quality mental health care: a vision that can only be achieved through structural changes. By considering the U.S.’s historical background and diverse cultural makeup, we can restructure programs and services that support mental health equity.

In pursuit of this vision, many clinicians, researchers, and politicians are working toward the following structural changes:

• Promoting culturally responsive care
• Integrating mental health care into primary care
• Increasing funding for the education and ongoing training of mental health professionals
• Making mental health care more affordable and customizable to individuals’ budgets

Concern for these inequities undergird some foundational objectives in our future strategy at the Center. Our goal is to have the demographics of the people we serve match the demographics of Central Iowa as closely as possible. The first steps in this strategy include increased diversity in our board and staff so that we have leaders within the organization who understand what it takes to achieve such a lofty demographic goal.

We need to go beyond our internal strategies in order to seek some practical ways to celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our individual and collective responsibilities to effect positive social change. For now, here is a link to some events to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Iowa:

https://www.iowajuneteenth.org/events.html

Ways to seek change on Juneteenth and beyond

Juneteenth is central to Black American mental health and well-being because it’s defined by Black humanity and liberation. It’s a part of Black identity formation. So, for those of us who want to honor the day and help safeguard and celebrate that humanity, what should we do? Here are three simple guidelines for supporting Black mental health in honor of Juneteenth:

  1. Listen to Black Voices. Juneteenth is about centering and celebrating Black liberation and the Black American experience. Seek out rallies, articles, stories, artwork, poetry readings, music and social media accounts and Black-owned businesses that offer rich, authentic Black perspectives to learn from.
  2. Respect Black Spaces. Juneteenth isn’t just a Black holiday. It’s an American holiday. It’s a date that is part of our history and that every American should learn about and honor. However, for those of us who are not Black—especially white people—it’s important to remember that supporting Black mental health means not dominating or appropriating Black voices and spaces. Work to bolster, not burden. Aim to amplify, not invade.
  3. Learn Your History. Honoring Juneteenth and respecting Black identity means working to fill the significant gaps in our knowledge of American history. Look for documentaries, books, workshops, professional development seminars and other educational opportunities that will challenge your understanding and beliefs as they relate to race in America.

And finally, stop to think about the meaning behind the different holidays we do or don’t acknowledge and why, and how those inclusions and omissions affect the mental health and identity development of those who are celebrated or omitted as a result. Frederick Douglass’ “Fourth of July” speech is a great place to start.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, community, and reflection. This June, take an opportunity to pause and notice the systems of privilege and oppression around you. With time and self-education, we can begin dismantling these systems by committing to our mental health, investing in our communities, and choosing to celebrate and uplift one another, all of which connect directly to our mission at the Mind and Spirit Counseling Center.

A blessed holiday to you and yours,

Jim

Executive Director’s Blog: Transformational Love

Our mission is to walk with people through counseling and education to find hope and healing—and to live a fulfilling life.

All people.

Early on in my time at the Center, I had a conversation with an esteemed therapist who described the importance of how the healing process happens here. I was told that we’re not here to fix people, but to meet them where they are and then walk together–to accompany them as they navigate the challenges they are facing at that moment in time. We don’t diagnose what’s broken and needs to be fixed. The people we serve are God’s children, imbued with dignity, who need loving presence and care.

All people.

Another important part of our mission is to help as many people as possible regardless of their ability to pay. All our stakeholders wish we could help more as the needs are great and access to mental health services has been an ongoing crisis for too long.

One group we support in our mission includes clients working through issues of gender and sexual orientation/identity. I admire the courage they show as they work on questions of understanding, accepting and living their core, true selves despite how the world may view and treat them. Their stories of resilience in the face of fear, confusion and adversity are inspiring.

The struggles are real. I’m happy the Center and others in the healing profession can be there for those in need of expert companions, especially kids who have challenges in abundance these days. The reality of such struggles often leads to tragic outcomes. If you’re not aware of The Trevor Project, check out their website:

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.
  • LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).
  • The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
  • The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

It’s not an easy read. The numbers of this tragedy are stark.

It’s not a big leap to tie a culture of fear, bullying, and the need to separate and blame the “other” to what Pope Saint John Paul II called a “Culture of Death.” Against such hatred and injustice we are all called to struggle alongside those to whom the hatred is directed. Such support is especially true for those whose values and traditions mandate them to love their neighbors as themselves.

If you want to dig even deeper in research, give this a read:

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2023/03/19/lgbtq-identity-research-shows-harms-legislation-could-cause/70016181007/

I support these colleagues, mental health professional experts in training, science and research, who recognize how important affirming care is for the population. We are the professionals who deal in reality, not politics nor polls or faulty rhetoric. The hope is to keep the kids alive until they are old enough to sort out the questions of identity. Every day we offer hope and healing as we know that for many kids and adults, the culture offers despair so deep that the only option they can see to end the pain is to take their own lives tragically. The culture wars are not a playground.

I wish we all could enter the sacred space of the offices and the relationships our therapists share with their clients. That everyone,

All people,

Could listen to the raw stories of the harvest of what the seeds bullying, sectarianism and hatred produce. Could listen to the experience of the trauma resulting from being rejected by families, faith communities and civic leaders sworn to protect them. Could listen to the stories of other human beings who are struggling to understand themselves and what it means to be loved–the same struggles we all share.

All people.

Jim

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Center

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, the Center would like to reiterate our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with the announcement of our diversity statement, adopted by our Board of Directors:

“The Mind and Spirit Counseling Center is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community for our clients and employees. We recognize that diversity and inclusion of age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion and disabilities will enhance our ability to honor our core values of equity, respect, compassion, and creating accessibility to high-quality services for all.”

Beyond a formal statement, the Center also has an active Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee that was formed in the summer of 2020. Soon after the formation, trainings and other goals were set up to help staff, the Center and the community grow, learn and be more inclusive. The committee quickly broadened their goal to include other types of diversity in addition to race.

Doug Detrick, a Licensed Independent Social Worker at the Center, currently heads our DEI Committee. In his own words, he explains why DEI work is important and the action steps the committee has taken so far:

Since the DEI Committee was formed, the Committee and the Center have accomplished a lot, but the work is not finished. As a social worker, I feel naturally drawn to issues involving diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as social and economic justice. I have participated in various ways to promote them. I got into social work due to things I went through in my early life and how they profoundly affected my view on helping others. I just finished putting together a class on Moral Injury and it allowed me to, again, reflect on what I felt growing up as a mixed-race individual in a predominantly white, south side of Des Moines in the 1960s.

I cannot comment on what it was like to grow up in that environment as a person of color, as someone with a physical or mental disability, or as an LGBTQ+ individual as my features are Caucasian, Non-Hispanic. However, looking back, I remember feeling shame and fear about what if someone finds out about me or my family. I remember feeling fear of speaking out if I saw a person being mistreated because of color, disability, sexual orientation, or hearing a racial slur or joke and feeling angry at myself that I did not have the strength to stand up to them or it.

Looking back now, I can see that I suffered moral injury. I have worked hard on myself to heal this wound, but so many others have been grievously injured in this way or more severely with PTSD from everything they have endured throughout their lives.

Part of the work the DEI Committee has done is promoting the staff to read “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem, a book about healing racial trauma and healing our society. The book’s self-help exercises and group discussion were extremely therapeutic to me, and I am thankful that it was brought into my life.

I joined the Center at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020. When the group was being formed, I was just getting to know my co-workers through Zoom meetings. I felt a calling to participate in the group to do my part to promote diversity and equity as part of the Center’s mission and felt the caring and commitment from others to make it happen. As the group formed and solidified, we were able to come up with initiatives that we felt were impactful and continue to work in this direction.

Around this time Billie Wade, MS, a volunteer of the Center, started a book club to read and discuss significant books on equity and diversity that some of us participated in and benefited from the readings and discussions.

 During our early meetings we came up with the following initiatives on 9/21/2020:

  • Establish a book club and review the books and magazines offered within the Center’s waiting rooms.
  • Recognize Juneteenth
  • Evaluate our space to explore how we might be more hospitable to diverse cultures
  • Increase diversity at all levels: clients, board and staff
  • Improve how we obtain demographic data so that we can better understand the diversity of our clients.
  • Review handbooks and bylaws. Edit forms, policies and practices that impact DENI
  • Offer regular training for board and staff. Continue consultation with Nate Harris to inform our future curriculum for trainings
  • Establish a joint committee of board and staff to align objectives with strategy and time-specific improvements in order to embed positive ongoing change in our culture
  • Standing agenda items to reflect on how DENI was part of our conversation during meetings
  • Diminish geographic limitations of the Center’s Urbandale location
  • Make DENI part of current branding study
  • Participate in United Way 21-day challenge
  • Use the equity tool
  • Obtain further trainings from our accrediting agency, the Solihten Institute
  • Reserve time for staff to watch the “American Son” together and discuss their reactions
  • Promote staff to watch Therapy Wisdom: https://therapywisdom.ontralink.com/c/s/CxU/6Aun/v/vv/6nc/6onSHd/vMHOyedHJs/P/P/6W
  • Informational interview within our own networks and bring back the o group for discussion and growth
  • Invite Innovative Counseling to discuss each Center’s work
  • Include diversity discussion at June staff meeting

Many of the items listed above have been completed or are still a work in progress. I believe the DEI Committee has made positive strides to promote diversity and equity at the Center, but we still have a lot of work to do. The Center’s staff and Board of Directors continue to strive to achieve significant goals through the work of all the caring people involved. Our goal is to find funding to bring in speakers for the Center and the community, such as Resmaa Menakem, author of “My Grandmother’s Hands,” or other noted diversity and equity speakers. We promote and encourage staff, board members and members of the community to bring us ideas on how the Center can improve in areas surrounding diversity and equity.

    Billie’s Blog – May 2021

    Getting the Hang of Hair, Part 2

    by Billie Wade, guest blogger

    Read “Getting the Hang of Hair, Part 1” here

    (May 2021) — The hair of Black people is malleable into an endless array of styles. So, we have the flexibility of sculpting our hair to fit our mood, a special occasion, a particular outfit, or for easy care. Hairstyling is an art form that plays a significant role in the identity and self-expression of Black people. Our hair shows our pride in our race and our zest for life. Black hairstyles are limited only by the imagination and creativity of the wearer or the wearer’s stylist. Black Americans spend upward of two and a half billion dollars—according to an August 2018 article by CNBC—to color, bleach, cut, grow, curl, straighten, shampoo, condition, tame, let loose, and arrange our hair.

    Black-hair biases and prejudice are very real, as we saw last month, in “Getting the Hang of Hair: Part 1.” In slave times White women whacked off the hair of their Black female servants because it White men became “confused” about which women were free. Our hair and how we manage and care for it is suspect as dirty, unkempt, distracting, faddish, and audacious—and a source of pride of which we are to be denied.

    I previously wore my hair dyed a deep auburn, in short spikes. None of my White coworkers said a word. When I returned to hot-comb-straightened hair, they profusely complimented my new style. Apparently, they did not like the spikes coming out of the natural base. On one occasion, my stylist did not have the color I wanted, so she used a substitute—which she swore would “look really cute” on me. What a hideous result! The only comment came from a White coworker who said, with all the earnestness she could muster, “Billie, your hair is purple.” My White coworkers deemed my hair acceptable when I conformed to their expectations.

    I have worn my hair short and natural for the past twenty-one years after numerous failed attempts to find suitable styles and stylists. Ironically, my hair stylist of the past twenty-one years is White. An instructor asked her beauty school class, “Who wants to learn how to cut Black hair?” She raised her hand. She always confers with me before cutting and follows my directions. I tip her very well.

    Black women are implored, to conform to White dictates, so we have tried everything to create “hair that moves.” Braids, dreadlocks—aka dreads—weaves, extensions, and “cold” perms allow Black people to experience hair that moves in a befitting style. Since the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties and seventies, Black people have become freer and more expressive with our hairstyles. As we saw last month we are routinely punished for our insolence.

    Even Black people debate about hairstyles, especially those who support assimilation. They believe we must do everything we can to conform to White demands and standards. From my vantage point, this approach does not work. Emulation attempts are doomed self-attacks on one’s intrinsic humanity. No matter what we do to our hair, our skin color remains under assault. Other Black people defend the liberation of the full range of articulation of who we are collectively and individually.

    White people scrutinize Black people for evidence of the tiniest violation of whatever rule they are “interpreting” at the moment, any signs of behavior which does not please them, which is often. They set us up to fail by creating lose-lose circumstances. The underlying intentionality of control and annihilation is based in unfounded hatred that results in the myriad tendrils of racism. We are a proud, quiet, gentle people but not according to the stereotypes. We have never asked for more than equal opportunity.

    I, along with other people, long for the day when all people are free to live and to be and to showcase their hair.

    *

    For more blog posts by Billie Wade: www.dmpcc.org/Billie

    3/15/2021 Women’s History Month and the Center

    Women’s History Month and the Center

    James E. Hayes, D. Min., M. Div., Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

    Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day on March 8 since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”

    If it is a celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society in general, it provides us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the particular contributions women have made at the Center. In recent meetings, I’ve invited people to narrate how women have made a difference in our work and mission. It’s been inspiring. I won’t list all the names at this point, because I’m sure I’d leave some out. Believe me, the list is long and the stories are moving. The Center would literally not exist were it not for these change agents.

    For this blog I want to focus not on individual names, but on a project directed to the needs of women and the administration of a collaboration that has been led almost exclusively by women. It involves our partnership with:

    L.U.N.A

    Latinas Unidas Por Un Nuevo Amanecer

    (Latinas United for a New Dawn)

    L.U.N.A. Iowa was created in 1999 by a group of survivors who noticed the lack of resources available to the LatinX community in Iowa. Since then L.U.N.A. Iowa has evolved into a state-wide organization with offices in Des Moines and Marshalltown, helping our survivors build a future free of violence. Their mission is to empower, educate, and advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in our community. They do this in the hopes that we can build a future free of violence. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking is a serious problem in our community that impacts everyone. We must work together in order to educate and protect our families.

    We have partnered with L.U.N.A. to provide counseling services, often in Spanish, to the women and families who have suffered through the trauma of domestic violence. I have heard some of the cases during our consultation time and found myself overwhelmed by the stories as they feel so tragic. And yet, our counselors, especially Alicia Krpan who was instrumental in getting this partnership started, help the clients to find their way back to hope by having the courage to engage in the healing process.

    Our partnership with L.U.N.A. includes sharing the financial burden of providing counseling services regardless of people’s ability to pay. L.U.N.A. receives grants for the services and we have connected with them as a subgrantee. Each time the grant funds run out, we cover the costs through our Client Assistance Fund. Those funds are made possible mostly because of the generosity of our donors. Thank you!

    Melissa Cano-Zelaya, the Executive Director of L.U.N.A., is an incredible and committed leader in the community. Her leadership in this partnership has made a big difference in the lives of so many who are in desperate need of healing. I asked her if she could offer me a quote for this blog, knowing I was highlighting our partnership:

    The current global pandemic has really emphasized the crucial need for mental health services, especially for the most vulnerable populations.  We are very excited to partner once again with DMPCC to offer quality therapeutic services to our clients who are dealing with so much trauma and instability during this unprecedented time.

    Most of the stories involved in this project are known only to those involved in the healing process behind closed doors in confidential settings. Though the rest of us may never know the details, I can assure you that contributions made to the Center are making a big difference in this effort. It is a wonderful example of women working together to combine resources and talents in order to confront an issue that overwhelms everyone at first glance. The ability of all the women involved to lean into the healing process is literally saving lives.

    And this is only one story of how women have made a difference in the 49 years and counting of the Center’s history. There are many more.

    I am grateful for these stories not only in the month of March, but every day. Thanks to all of you for your courage and support. You’re saving lives.

    To read more of Jim’s blogs, click HERE

    Healing is Hard Work

    James E. Hayes, D. Min., M. Div., Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

    I am white.

    I am the son of an auto mechanic.

    I witnessed racial violence in my integrated school and it was terrifying.

    I was a first generation college student and athlete.

    I was dumbfounded by racial slurs shouted from stands that were targeted at black friends and team mates.

    My brother, a good man, is a police captain.

    I have benefited from my status as a white male.

    One of my highest values is justice and loving my neighbor—that means everyone.

    I know I am racist in ways I can’t see.

    I am grateful for people who have helped me to grow and gain the insights necessary to make that last statement.

    I have work to do. Would you like to join me?

    We have work to do.

    Just when we thought we might get a handle on one virus, we find ourselves facing the sickness of racism—again. So many thoughts are on my mind as I compose this article, which was not my original topic for the newsletter and blog this month. Many of these thoughts relate to mental health and our mission. We work hard to walk with people so that all might flourish.

    I received this from Robert Johnson, the CEO of our accrediting agency, the Solihten Institute, as he publicly wrestled with the killing of George Floyd:

    As a young therapist, after a particularly difficult week, a mentor pointed out that good therapy, effective therapy, compassionate therapy did not always result with the person or family in front of me feeling relief. Most people seek our help because they are experiencing inextinguishable pain. Their plea, their expectation is that we will douse the flames of their emotional injury as quickly as possible. All too often, he explained, out of a desire to be helpful, we cooperate with this misguided strategy.

    There are moments in the course of therapy when our most empathic and ethical response is to provide the support and safe environment where our clients can tolerate living with the discomfort of confusion and ambiguity. This can be as difficult for us as is it for our clients. Giving in to these pleas for relief leads to convenient interventions with quick but also short-term analgesic effects. Rather than genuine healing, we become unintentional partners in the perpetuation of harmful, and in extreme cases disastrous cycles of emotional, physical, and spiritual injury.

    The work we have to do as individuals and as a nation has no easy fix and is certainly not going to make us comfortable. But I believe hope and healing are possible.

    The questions, the discomfort, the therapy, and the call to action we must lean into include:

    • Are we willing to face our implicit biases?
    • How can we seek out conversations with those of different skin tone, gender, financial status, religious or sexual preference to understand their perspectives and experiences? We have discovered that many of these people are performing essential and dangerous services, making them most at risk in the age of pandemic. After such an encounter, reflect:
    • What was it like to sit with this person?
    • What did I learn that can become an action for good?
    • Do I regret any part of the conversation?
    • Were there moments when I was concerned I might say something offensive?
    • What surprised you? Affirmed you?
    • What is the next best step for following up with this person?
    • Am I willing to explore my own story through another lens by reading some books on racism? Here’s a list recommended by the Des Moines Public Library:
    • Can I knock on doors accessible to me because of my status, and apply pressure in order to begin honest conversations about equity and inclusion in our community?

    Healing begins when each of us takes responsibility.

    Thank you for helping us to carry out our mission of sustaining hope in times of despair and bringing healing where there is pain. We are in this together and we have work to do.

    COVID-19 Resources

    More than a year and half after the initial onset, the pandemic continues to evolve and impact our lives in different ways. Many of us experience ongoing challenges and stress as a result.

    Please check back often for helpful resources related to COVID-19 and mental health that have been vetted by our clinicians.

     

    Current COVID-19 Information & Resources

    Human Interest

    • At Last: Hugs – (May 2021) Center psychologist and former executive director, Ellery Duke, and others were featured in the New York Times to highlight post-vaccination family reunions.

    Resources to Cope with Anxiety

    C.O.O.L. Resources for Children and Families

    Online Recovery Groups

     

    Resources from the Center’s Spiritual Directors

    Men and Mental Health

    Mark: “The most notable bridge on the entire transcontinental Lincoln Highway is found in Tama!

    Mark Minear, Ph.D., a psychologist at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, went on sabbatical in the Spring of 2016. He wanted to walk the Old Lincoln Highway from river to river across the State of Iowa. His initial reasons included to fulfill a dream, get some exercise, contemplate, and experience a bit of Iowa history. Along the way, he met a lot of local people who shared food and stories. Family, friends, and others joined him on his walk. He communed with nature in ways not possible when driving. Local radio and television stations interviewed him and followed his progress. He had meaningful conversations with his walking stick. You can read his blog posts documenting his epic fourteen-day walk at www.dmpcc.org/walkwithmark.

    Dr. Minear, inspired by Ellery Duke, the Center’s executive director at the time, and his bicycle ride across the U.S., decided to use his walk as a platform to increase awareness about mental health services for men and boys and to raise money for the Center’s Client Assistance Fund with an emphasis on uninsured and underinsured men and boys. He shared that 17% of men seek mental health services while 29% of women do so. In 2018 the Center’s clientele was 37.5%, 3/8, men and boys. So far in 2019, the demographic is 36% men and boys.

    Dr. Minear originally became aware of and interested in the gender differences in mental health issues when he was in graduate school. He cited strong influence by the work of the late Royda Crose who wrote Why Women Live Longer Than Men and what men can learn from them. Dr. Crose divided the sections in her book to include aging, biology, health and wellness, physical health, mental health, social health, occupational health, spiritual and environmental health, and longevity. There are life choices men can make in taking care of themselves. When the book was published in 1997, men lived an average of approximately 73 years and women 79 years. Current life expectancy is 76.1 years for men and 81.1 years for women

    In his blog post on April 24, 2016, Dr. Minear wrote “over six million men in the U.S. suffer from depression with, perhaps, half of these going undiagnosed.” Dr. Minear reported that, while more women attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to complete suicide. He stated that men at mid-life comprise the highest suicide rate. A 2016 report by the American Association of Suicidology indicated “in 2014, 2,421 African Americans died by suicide in the US. Of these, 1,946 were male (80.38%). The overall suicide rate per 100,000 was 5.46. … This was the first national study to show observe higher suicide rates for African Americans than for Caucasians in any age group.”

    The well-known mid-life crisis can shatter a man’s life. Men evaluate their life and find their present circumstances deficient. They may have all the trappings of a successful life and still feel life or personal inadequacy. Some men in mid-life crisis end significant relationships, quit their job, relocate, or have illicit extramarital relationships. These abrupt life changes only add to the stress.

    Men may mask the signs of depression with anger and aggression. Life stressors such as financial strain, grief in all areas of life, and loss of employment contribute to depression. Men with genetic predisposition toward depression or who have a major illness may be at a greater risk for developing depression. Chronic depression in all people can result from low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, necessitating the need for antidepressant medication. Men may shy away from medication because they fear being judged by pharmacy staff. So, they may self-medicate with alcohol or illicit drugs.

    Dr. Minear stated that women pay more attention to their bodies than men. However, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating affect men as well. Men may become obsessed with calorie counting or working out at a gym. One report stated that men may obsess about “their muscles, skin, genitals, nose, or hair.”

    Dr. Minear said men have fewer social supports than women. Boys are socialized to withhold tears, suppress most emotions, ignore their bodies, and rely on fortitude to get through problems. There is social stigma against men seeking mental health services which is viewed as a sign of weakness. While men and boys are discouraged against the display of most emotions, they are encouraged to express frustration, anger, and rage either explicitly or implicitly through stoic silence or making excuses for them when they are angry. He stated men’s anger can be intense and there’s a need to help them find healthy expression.

    Royce White

    Out of Dr. Minear’s raising awareness about men and boys and mental health, a group of colleagues formed and meets monthly. ”When Life Gives You a Full Court Press” was born out of those meetings. The 2019 two-day event, sponsored by The Center and Des Moines University (DMU) takes place Thursday, July 11, and Friday, July 12 at DMU. The speaker for Thursday’s free event, “Rebound with courage,” is former NBA player and Iowa State basketball star Royce White. White has been open about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and how it derailed his life. He has become an advocate for mental health treatment. Friday’s event, “Pivot to health,” features four break-out sessions, two facilitated by mental health professionals and two by medical professionals. Headliners Dr. David Vogel and Patrick Heath, MS, will discuss their research into mental health treatment for men and boys which keenly interests Dr. Minear. CMEs and CEUs are available for Friday’s workshops. Information about both segments of the event can be found at www.dmpcc.org/MEN.

    GAD generally begins in adolescence or young adulthood. It is less common in men than in women. Estimates indicate approximately four million people suffer annually. It often travels with depression.

    GAD is diagnosed by using blood and urine tests to rule out medical conditions. Trained professionals also use psychological assessments. The list of possible symptoms is long. They include excessive worry and anxiousness, easily startled, headaches and fatigue, and problems with concentration. For years, my experience with GAD went untreated. I often felt as though I would have a psychotic break. Two psychiatrists diagnosed me with and treated me for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). My current psychiatrist accurately diagnosed the GAD. Medication, counseling, and journaling are very effective in keeping me balanced.

    GAD cannot be cured, and there are no quick fixes, but a number of treatment options may be used to mitigate symptoms. Any one of a variety of medications, taken orally, may be prescribed. Medications take several weeks to notice efficacy and your primary care physician or psychiatrist may need to try different ones to find the one that works best. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy that helps build and strengthen coping skills. Lifestyle changes that may help are regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and the avoidance of alcohol, recreational drugs, nicotine, and caffeine.

    Dr. Minear hopes to open a pathway of communication between the medical and mental health communities. Greater awareness by the medical community of the need for mental health services for men and boys could lead to earlier detection and referrals.

    We all can play a role in addressing the mental health needs of men and boys. Dr. Minear shared some tips:

    • Talk more openly and candidly about mental health and mental health treatment.
    • Erase stigma by treating mental illness as a viable topic rather than taboo.
    • Educate and engage medical providers.
    • Equip the medical community to make referrals.

    Dr. Minear added that mental health should not be gender specific. Mental illness affects men, women, boys, and girls. We can learn as much as possible about men and mental health. We can be attentive to the signs of depression and anxiety shown by the men in our lives. We can be supportive and encouraging by listening. We can all benefit by showing sensitivity and compassion. The state of mental health services for men and boys is vital to stronger, healthier, and more resilient relationships which contributes to the well-being of everyone.

    For more information about “When Life Gives You a Full Court Press,” visit the Center’s website at www.dmpcc.org/MEN or call Terri Speirs, 515-251-6670.

    African Americans and Mental Health

    Billie Wade, writer

    Dysthymic Disorder (depression) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) have affected my life since adolescence. Counseling has been an integral part of my life since my mid-twenties. I have always believed in the power of talking about issues and problems and can attest to the value of counseling. For the first time, I have a relationship with a counselor, here at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, who walks with me as I explore the experiences and meanings of living as a black woman in a predominantly white world. Racism, external and internalized; discrimination; profiling; and, the residue of slavery compound daily in the lives of black people. Many black people disagree with my decision to receive counseling, based on a host of very real reasons.

    Black people are under constant scrutiny and judgment by the majority culture—clothing, hair, the car we drive, where we live, our personality, our religion and spirituality, our employment or lack thereof. Our cultural climate is measured against that of the majority and usually found wanting. Dichotomous messages and double standards are applied arbitrarily. For instance, we are told that we must be employed and self-sufficient, but we are profiled if we dress too well or the car we drive is too nice. Moving about in the world is a matter of safety. Because of the factors listed above, I am always a target, emotionally as well as physically.

    In my years of counseling, my issues and problems as a black woman went unaddressed. They were not so much discounted or ignored as they were not considered. They were not on anyone’s radar, including mine. I was treated as a white woman with black skin. The discrimination and oppression to which I was subjected “could happen to anybody.” It was years before I recognized the mistreatment and exploitation for what they were. The ebony ceiling is much lower and much thicker than the glass ceiling.

    Virtually all of my counselors have been white males. I did have one Native American Indian female counselor and one black male counselor. When I began working with my counselor, here at the Center, in January 2013, I became comfortable enough, after a few months, to explore the painful topic of race relations. We discuss ways in which racial tension and strife contributed to the trauma in my life and continue to do so. I am subjected to all the issues and problems experienced by white women, compounded by race.

    According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “Common mental health disorders among African Americans include major depression; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); suicide, among African American men; and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” Additionally, African Americans are more likely to be exposed to violence and “make up about 40% of the homeless population. African American children are more likely to be exposed to violence than other children.” Clinicians often receive little or no training in cultural competency as a matter of course. Because of either conscious or unconscious provider biases, black people are often misdiagnosed or receive a poor quality of care. Providers not trained in cultural competence may not recognize mental health symptoms. NAMI also reported that “men are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia when expressing symptoms related to mood disorders or PTSD.”

    In the chemical dependency treatment field, the desire of a client to confront racial issues is discounted as an excuse, an avoidance strategy to skirt the fact that the individual is drinking and using drugs to her or his detriment. For all clients, substance use is treated as a causality rather than an outcome, seen as primary rather than a stress response and coping strategy. Psychological factors are not considered.

    “Only about one-quarter of African American people seek mental health services, compared to 40% of whites,” reports NAMI. The 25% rate surprised me as I thought the percentage was much lower. Many barriers impede access to mental health services for black people, among them:

    • Location of services/lack of transportation
    • Lack of childcare
    • Lack of complete information
    • Fear of being committed to a hospital psychological unit
    • Lack of financial resources
    • Lack of insurance
    • Fear of ridicule by family and friends
    • Perception of counselors as mind-reading psychics
    • Told by clergy, family members, and peers that their life would improve if they attend church and believe in Jesus.
    • Distrust of mental health professionals, medical professionals, and white people
    • Fear of lack of confidentiality, that what they discuss will be used against them
    • Fear of incarceration
    • Fear of appearing weak and unable to control themselves or manage their lives or to control those around them. For instance, “I’d be alright if my kids would stop driving me crazy.”
    • The perception that they are emotionally healthy and stable and that everyone else needs to change.
    • Like many non-minority people, they know they need to change which seems daunting.

    Out of necessity, the black community has formed some social supports that sustain them in times of stress and emotional upheaval, such as:

    • Religious faith
    • Close-knit family networks; extended family; there are few secrets in the black community
    • Racial pride
    • Emotional strength and resilience which can sometimes lead to discounting of their emotional pain as they are told they have little or no reason to “complain.”

    Finding a compatible counselor can be a discouraging process, and some people give up. NAMI suggests asking prospective counselors the following questions:

    1. Have you treated other African Americans?
    2. Have you received training in cultural competence or on African American mental health?
    3. How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment?
    4. How do you plan to integrate my beliefs and practices in my treatment?

    Will family members be involved in my treatment? What if I do not want my family members involved?

    Engaging the black community takes time and effort. The Center has taken a step in the right direction to encourage black people to enlist mental health services with the satellite office in the Drake University area. Further efforts could include using black people in marketing and advertising and recruiting black counselors and staff.

    I encourage black people to seek mental health services as an essential addition to the social supports already in place. I truly believe that, with earnest effort, virtually everyone can benefit from counseling. To schedule an appointment or for more information about the services offered at the Center, call 515-274-4006.

    Warm regards.

    Billie

    To read more of Billie’s blogs, click here.