Physical and Mental Health

As an organization of predominantly African American women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is uniquely positioned to impact not only the well-being of its membership, but also the families and communities we serve. We are concerned about the internal wellness of our sorors and community. Our Physical and Mental Health thrust provides workshops with knowledgeable speakers to address the concerns of all those involved. We promote self-care through physical wellness, emotional wellness and awareness advocacy.

What exactly is mental health? What is behavioral health? What does “it” look like in African American communities? A definition provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. How we function related to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. At each stage of life, mental health is important – from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Behavioral health has more to do with the specific actions people take and how people respond in various scenarios. Behavioral health can definitely be influenced by an individual’s mental health.

So, what happens at the intersection of mental health and our personal experiences as African Americans? There are shared cultural experiences that are positive – family connections, values, expression through spirituality or music, reliance on community and religious networks. There are also negative experiences such as racism, discrimination and inequality that can significantly affect a person’s mental health. Being treated or perceived as “less than” because of the color of your skin can be stressful and even traumatizing. DeGruy (2005) in her book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome provides a theoretical framework for understanding how multigenerational trauma and oppression are observable in African American communities. Additionally, members of the African American community face structural challenges such as accessing the care and treatment they need. Psychosocial factors contribute to mental health such physical health problems as alcoholism and hypertension.

According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African American adults in the U.S. are more likely than their white counterparts to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness and feeling like everything is an effort. There are barriers to accessing care and treatment, e.g., socioeconomic status, stigma, and the lack of culturally competent care providers. Strategies that African Americans use in their attempt to solve life problems include: prayer, avoidance, active problem-solving, and seeking help from family and community. If someone you know is experiencing emotional or psychological difficulty there are some things you can do: ask questions and listen, know the facts, get the person help and take care of yourself.