Real Life Real Faith Men of Faith July/August | Page 4

MEN OF FAITH FEATURE

THE STATE OF MENTAL
HEALTH AMONG BLACK MEN
How Important is It Part 1
by Alvin C . Romer

20-year-old
Marianne Teigen
recently published
her first young
adult novel, and
in only a month,
it has reached the
New York Times
Bestsellers list.

M
The complex relationship
between depression, diabetes and
other mental health issues
plaguing people of color is a
concern that needs to be dealt
with, for sure. The title of this
essay isn’t as rhetorical as one
would make it. In many circles
health issues affecting man of
color is hot on the radar tending
to derail levels of
accountability. I’m aware of the
necessity assessing and evaluating
available qualitative data in
understanding the mental health
needs and experiences of my
brothers.

I, as well as you, should have questions to
improve high visibility for alpha males
and others dealing with maladies that
decimate proficiency. It’s all about feeling
good about where you are, and the
status of your physical being which
generally regulates mental health, and
what should be done to curb problematic
associations. How important then, is it in
maintaining a lifestyle that embraces self,
family and community? When I got the
call to write on this subject I knew it was
something that I had to address. My
intent for this undertaking is to give
insight on what can be done to decimate
further mental anguish and offer ways to
help those stricken. I will do so with my

experience being a Peer Support
Counselor using proven wellness
recovery action planning. I’ve dealt
with depression, bipolar
symptoms, anxiety attacks and
most notably post traumatic
syndrome deficiency (PTSD). This
is the first of a three part series on
mental health issues effecting
African-American males.

I will concentrate on
depression and
diabetes, which I
feel are two of the