Positive Solutions
JUST FOR MEN
REAL TALK MEN TALK
JUST FOR MEN
REAL TALK MEN TALK
PRESENTING STRESS &
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN
PRESENTING STRESS &
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN
"Just For Men: Real Talk, Men Talk" is designed for African American men to have conversations with one another around various life impacting issues and topic that are important to them. Some of the topics will cover Physical, Emotional & Mental Health Awareness.
"Just For Men: Real Talk, Men Talk" is geared towards African American Men in particular because of the unique challenges that they encounter on a daily basis. By sharing their personal stories, journey, lives and concerns with one another the goal is that they will strengthen and encourage each other to meet those challenges.
Stress & Emotional Health Are Tied Together for American African Men. The (WHO) World Health Organization, the Department of Health & Human Services & the American Psychological Association (APA) are a few Organizations and Government bodies that found that STRESS Is Experienced Differently by African American Men.
It is Our Hope that through "Real Talk, Men Talk" African American Men would gain information that would help them to make Informed decisions regarding their Health and Well-Being. The program also highlights how and where to find help and resources.
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
Stress occurs when individuals experience threats or demands without sufficient resources to meet these demands, mitigate or lessen the threats.
TIME JUST FOR YOU AA MAN!!!
TIME JUST FOR YOU AA MAN!!!
These Groups are An Opportunity for African American
Men to Come to Express their Thoughts, Concerns or Information with One Another. There will be a Facilitator to Provide Thought Provoking Questions and to Keep the Conversation Going.
This Invitation and Environment is Designed Just For You
What Do You Say????
YOU ASK HOW MUCH DOES IT COST???
YOU ASK HOW MUCH DOES IT COST???
NO CHARGE: DONATE THE AMOUNT YOU BELIEVE THE COMRADERY AND CANDID CONVERSATION IS WORTH???
Is The Big (E) & the Big (D)
Taboo for You?
For Many African American Men
"Emotions & Depression" Are Taboo Topics
Is The Big (E) & the Big (D)
Taboo for You?
For Many African American Men
"Emotions & Depression" Are Taboo Topics
There is nothing we can do to avoid the challenges of life. It is vital that we begin to reframe emotional and mental health to include a discussion about the day to day challenges of life. Too often, people are attempting to navigate the challenges of life without the help that they need.
Depression is One of the Most common Mental Health Problems in the United States, affecting more than
17 million people each year.
- African Americans are 20% more likely to have serious psychological distress than Whites are.
- About 7% of Americans experience serious depression each year.
- For African Americans depressive occurrences are more disabling, persistent, and resistant to treatment than those experienced by Whites.
- African American men are four times more likely to die by suicide than African American women are.
- Less than 50% Less than half of all Americans with a mental disorder get the treatment that they need. But the proportion of African Americans who need mental health treatment and get it is only half that of Whites.
Stress & Mental Health are topics that many African American Men Consider Taboo and Do Not Often Discuss.
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The fact is that Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses but is Under Recognized and a Under Treated Problem among African American men. For African American men and their families, neglecting mental health needs can be devastating. When conditions like depression aren’t treated African American men are more vulnerable to drug or alcohol use, homelessness, incarceration, homicide, and suicide.
Common Mis-Conceptions Myths & Truths
Common Mis-Conceptions Myths & Truths
Common beliefs about Depression & Mental Health within the African American Community is that being depressed is just Normal and Talking about it is Weak.
Getting help is the same as telling your
business to a stranger. Nobody cares about your mental health anyway. These statements are not true. Mental Illness is Real and can Affect us all whether or not we choose to talk about it.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do If You Are Experiencing these Feelings is to Recognize them.
Stress Is Not A Weakness, Depression is Not a Weakness.
Here's What We've Been Working On
"Presentations & Information For You"
Here's What We've Been Working On
"Presentations & Information For You"
Common Mis-Conceptions
Myths & Truths
Common Mis-Conceptions
Myths & Truths
Both Men and Women believed that Stress Could and does have Serious Negative Consequences for AA Mens Mental Health. Stress Reportedly Slowed Men Down and Made it Hard for them to focus.
In addition, Stress was described as leading to Mental Exhaustion and when not dealt with could cause a man to be "Mentally Shattered” The Following Statements are Some African American Men's View of What Stress Does. Among AA Men it seems that Stress & Depression are believed to influence one another. One man stated: “They go together and most of the time or one leads to the other.”
Another participant however, stated that there were differences between Stress and Depression and that the results are due to the person. The participant cited that: “Some people, when they’re Depressed, will not eat but then others do. I think it Depends on your make-up…and so, I don’t think it’s a set pattern because I’ve seen people do both…it just depends on the person.”
Not “Just The Blues”
Not “Just The Blues”
Clinical depression is more than life’s “ups” and “downs.” Life is full of joy and pain, happiness and sorrow. It is normal to feel sad when a loved one dies, or when you are sick, going through a divorce, or having financial problems. But for some people the sadness does not go away, or keeps coming back.
If your “blues” last more than a few weeks or cause you to struggle with daily life, you may be suffering from clinical depression.
Know the Signs & Recognize the Problem Everybody feels down or sad occasionally, but these feelings usually pass within a few days. When feelings of sadness, worry, and hopelessness last for weeks at a time and affect your ability to manage your daily life, you may be experiencing serious depression.
Both Men and Women get stressed and depressed, but men experience depression differently. Men who are depressed may be more likely to be very tired, feel irritable, and have difficulty sleeping. They may be more likely to lose interest in work, family, and hobbies. Men are also more likely than women to Experience “Stealth” Depression Symptoms such as Anger, Substance Abuse and Agitation.
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN
AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN
AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
Male Married, Age 40s with 2 Children
I Initially went to counseling because of marital issues but then discovered Individual Counseling would be good to address Other Needs.
Key Points: Wish I Had Did Counseling When I was in High School, Earlier or Sooner.
Cost: Didn’t know the Cost thats what Deterred Me at 1st. Also, I Really Didn’t know where to go or How to Begin
Pre-Conceived Ideas: I Always thought it may be Judgmental or One Sided. Then I came to the conclusion to at least give it a Chance.
Recommend: If you are Married Counseling can be like Mediation. Definitely if you are Newly Married I Recommend Counseling, Especially if you aren’t able to talk to people Around You.
Cultural & Values: What Was Important to Him in Counseling: I Looked for An Experienced African American Female therapist. My first Counseling try was with a African American Male therapist: but his sessions were about General things or Environmental Areas. It seems that he didn’t want to address deeper areas. Having a male counselor wasn’t for me I needed a female perspective. He says he felt a female therapist was a better listener and would be more sensitive.
What Counseling Meant & Means to Him: As he reflected on His Counseling Experience he says "Counseling has made the Difference in his Life".
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Here Are A Number of Ways to Recognize Clinical Depression
At the End of this Section There are Helpful Tips & Resources If You or Someone You Know May Be Experiencing Depression
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Men
Here Are A Number of Ways to Recognize Clinical Depression
At the End of this Section There are Helpful Tips & Resources If You or Someone You Know May Be Experiencing Depression
The 3 Most Commonly Overlooked Signs of Depression In Men Are:
Anger
Physical Pain
Reckless Behavior
- Anger. This could range from irritability, sensitivity to criticism, or a loss of your sense of humor to road rage, a short temper, or even violence. Some men become abusive or controlling.
- Physical pain. Sometimes depression in men shows up as physical symptoms—such as backache, frequent headaches, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, or digestive disorders—that don’t respond to normal treatment.
- Reckless behavior. A man suffering from depression may exhibit escapist or risky behavior such as pursuing dangerous sports, driving recklessly, or engaging in unsafe sex. You might drink too much, abuse drugs, or gamble compulsively.
Men tend to be less adept at recognizing symptoms of depression than women. A man is more likely to deny his feelings, hide them from himself and others, or try to mask them with other behaviors. And while men may experience classic symptoms of depression such as despondent mood, loss of interest in work or hobbies, weight and sleep disturbances, fatigue, and concentration problems, they are more likely than women to experience “stealth” depression symptoms such as anger, substance abuse, and agitation.
How to Know If You Are Depressed
If you identify with several of the following, you may be suffering from depression.
1. You feel hopeless and helpless
2. You’ve lost interest in friends, activities, and things you used to enjoy
3. You’re much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
4. You’re consuming more alcohol, engaging in reckless behavior, or self-medicating
5. You feel restless and agitated
6. Your sleep and appetite has changed
7. You can’t concentrate or your productivity at work has declined
8. You can’t control your negative thoughts
To help decide if you—or someone you care about—needs an evaluation for clinical depression, review the following list of symptoms. If you experience five or more for longer than two weeks, if you feel like hurting yourself, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, see your doctor, and bring this sheet with you.
• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, or excessive crying
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
• Irritability, restlessness
• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
• Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-men.htm
ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP!!!
ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP!!!
Depression lasting longer than two weeks is an illness that can cause disability and even death. Depression is a treatable illness. We Encourage you to go directly to a Mental Health Professional because this is their area of Expertise. Building Rapport & Finding a Culturally Sensitive Provider are Important Steps. However, if you do not feel comfortable seeing a Mental Health Professional right away, a Primary Care Doctor is a great place to start or help refer you to a Mental Health Professional.
QUICK AND EASY TOOLS & HELPFUL COPING SKILLS
YOU CAN DO YOUR SELF TO REDUCE STRESS
MINDFULNESS
HOBBIES
BREATHING EXERCISES
PROGRESS MUSCLE RELAXATION
FAITH & SPIRITUALITY ARE USED TO RELAX & COPE WITH STRESS
AFRICAN AMERICAN
MEN & WOMEN "TALK 2"
AFRICAN AMERICAN
MEN & WOMEN "TALK 2"
To Mix Things Up a Bit
African American Women Join in the Real Talks Conversations Occasionally!!!
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN
AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN
AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
Mature Man Early 60s Former Client Exp. Couples & Individual Sessions
Key Points: He shares he Came with a Positive & Open Mind, had prior counseling exposure however, he Still Didn’t know what to expect from a new therapist. He stressed he came to his appointment with a Positive & Open Mind. I Did Not approach Counseling with any Pre-conceived Stigma or Taboos. The client cites some African American Men may feel that Men should not go to counseling. The Interviewee says that He Just Knew He Needed Help Outside of what he and his wife were doing alone. As for this client he shared that Culture & Values are Very Important and that was Motivation for the Type of Counselor he Sought. A Therapist of the same Culture Made & Makes a Hugh Difference because a counselor with the same or similiar background can understand your cultural experiences.
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN COUNSELING
CONTINUES:
The client gave an example of counseling with someone of a different ethnic background. He shared that he approached the new therapist with an open mind but despite my opennes I still felt the cultural divide or disconnect with the therapist.
In the Clients Own Words what Counseling Meant & Means to Him: It Provided me with an Opportunity to have discussions to express issues without being interrupted and while various emotions were still high, anger was present and frustration. My Therapist provided an unbiased ear. Engaging in therapy resulted in saving my marriage. This client states that he has no doubt that they would have continued to struggle and may have ended his marriage had they not incorporated Counseling.
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN
"REAL TALK MEN TALK "
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN
"REAL TALK MEN TALK "
Contact Us
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a message or comments.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or receiving forms via email please leave an email address. All information your share is confidential.
708.414.0095
Email: [email protected]
Website: JHarrisCounselingServices.Com
Our Calendar
Our Calendar
SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGED
Lazarus & Folkman, 1984
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519397/
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/byomm_factsheet02.pdf
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-men.htm