By Jasmine Williams

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Former Miss USA and Extra correspondent #CheslieKryst and Actor and Director Regina King’s son Ian Alexander Junior both died recently by #suicide. Kryst and Alexander were both young, in the spotlight, and #peopleofcolor.

Their deaths have shown a tragic trend in the #AfricanAmerican community, one that’s become worst since the #pandemic.

“The #pandemic wasn’t just a physical health issue; it also became a #mentalhealthissue,” said Uduak Afangideh.

A #therapist in Montgomery, Afangideh, has seen an increase in #patients of color. Many of her clients, she said, are afraid to tell their family that they see a #therapist.

“Our culture, our people, we don’t talk about #mentalhealth, and it’s interesting to me because I am Nigerian, and I see the roots of that in Africa. Even though it’s been years since the #AfricanAmericans came over, they still have that as part of them,” she said.

Statistics show this #mentalhealthstigma needs to change immediately. According to the #SuicidePrevention Resources Center, #suicide rates have decreased with #Americans. But, #black #suicide rates have gone up, and young #adult #suicide is highest among #AfricanAmericans. Some reports cite #mentalhealthissues, #racism, and #bullying as contributing factors.

“Those of us who are #therapists, especially #therapists of color, we have a lot of work to do talk about it, to normalize it for our people,” Afangideh said.

Changes in the world of therapy, including virtual sessions, insurance coverage, and more, have made therapy more accessible, and therapists hope it will continue to lead to change.

“Going to talk to a #therapist should be as normal as going to the #doctor if you have a headache or flu,” she said, “and people who have #therapists need to tell others and spread the word.”

To learn more about Afangideh Therapy, visit https://thealabamatherapist.com/.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
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