tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20283853.post3024157758552796163..comments2023-11-03T08:17:05.687-04:00Comments on Jesus Saves Ministries Blog: The Black Church and the Role It Plays in the Treatment of Mental Health in African-Americans - BCNN1Jesus Saves Ministrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07541296193857011870noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20283853.post-56007770755559977422012-08-22T18:40:39.892-04:002012-08-22T18:40:39.892-04:00What an important post, especially given the numbe...What an important post, especially given the number of vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mental health issues. <br /><br />Here in Los Angeles, a primarily African American NAMI(www.nami.org) chapter has partnered with churches. Support groups like these can save lives. Our people perish when they believe that mentally ill people are demonically possessed or as you mention have flawed character. It is heartbreaking to see people trying only to pray these things away. <br /><br />I would add only one thing. People diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder often cycle off of meds after they begin to feel better or will only accept medication or therapy when it's optimal to receive both. I.e., people suffering from severe psychotic disorders can be challenging to treat and to help. Stigma, shame, limitations of most insurance make mental illness a very different animal from diabetes, etc.<br /><br /><br />Mildredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07261542813686725503noreply@blogger.com