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Spiritual wellness is being practiced in the black church in Northeast Arkansas. Spiritual wellness is understanding your own worth and having a sense of purpose and by being a part of life with values and goals. The story “Spiritual Wellness in Black Culture,” gives the viewpoint of how many in the black communities center their well-being around spiritual wellness, despite their personal struggles and losses during this pandemic. Marion COGIC members gather weekly to pray, sing, and hear sermons that uplift and encourage them to stay positive doing life challenges. According to Pew Research Center, African Americans are more religious than whites and Latinos. “The black church is a safe place where African Americans are respected, honored, and empowered to help themselves and others in their community,” says Dr. Anthony Coleman, pastor of Marion COGIC. “Spiritual wellness in my own personal life is praying, seeking God, reading His word, that is to keep me grounded, rooted; even when I interact with people to be peaceful and loving,” says Minister Willie Morris, an associate minister at 15th Street COGIC.
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Spiritual Well-being in Black Culture
Seth Mitchell, Lifestyle and Culture Journalist During this time of COVID-19 pandemic, many in the black and brown communities experience a sense of safety and security by staying connected with their spiritual well-being. Spiritual wellness is understanding your own worth and having a sense of purpose and by being a part of life with values and goals. Many in the black and brown community center their well-being around their spiritual wellness. “People in spiritual distress often no longer believe the world is a safe place. They might lose hope and have a difficult time finding meaning and purpose in what’s happening to them” according to Eric Hall, president and CEO of Health Care Chaplaincy Network Inc. Although, many in the black and brown community in West Memphis, Arkansas have lost relatives and jobs, some struggle with hunger and others faced COVID-19; yet many gathered with their friends and families sharing overcoming testimonies with conviction having religious services. Men with suits and fancy ties, women with pretty dresses and hats, children with their Sunday’s Best clothes attend religious services weekly during the pandemic. Local ministries follow the federal CDC guidelines such as wearing mask, temperature checks, 6 feet social distancing, and encouraging vaccinations to name a few. 15th Street Church, local ministry in West Memphis, Arkansas, request their members to register before attending services and make accommodation for those that cannot attend in-person due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Our ministry gives our members an option to attend in person or virtually. Either way we can stay connected to our church family,” states Willie Morris, a local minister at !5th Street Church. United Fellowship M.B. Church pastor teach life principles, pray and sing gospel music to keep his followers encourage and inspired during this time of pandemic. Spiritual wellness is essential during this pandemic. The local black and brown spiritual community in West Memphis is consistent at encouraging many in this time to stay centered in their spiritual well-being. Mental illness is a reality in the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas; and it is time to identify and educated those on the seriousness of mental health.
Mental health includes ones emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is the trigger of how someone thinks, feels, and acts; according to US Department of Health and Human Services. The life experiences for people of the minority communities are different but the culture reality of racism, discrimination, and inequality are shared and may affect their mental health. Also, there are other factors such as poverty which is traumatizing to some in these communities. Because of these factors many in the black, brown, and minority communities are suffering in silence and are having feelings and/or behaviors that may be an early sign of a mental health issue. Some of these early signs include excessive worrying or fear, feeling excessively sad or low, confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning, and many more other warnings and signs according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness the stigma of having a mental health issue is considered weakness in minority communities. So many rely on spirituality and faith, oppose to seeking professional assistance. Dr. Donald McDonald a psychiatrist, a primary care doctor for the mind. He is aiding and helping many in Northeast Arkansas with mental health issue for over 20 years. He is treating a vas of mental and behavioral disorders in adults as well as children. McDonald have advance experience with Neurodevelopmental Disorders than other specialists in his area. He treats many with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD to name a few. As well as children that are affect by drugs causing mental health issue at early ages. “When they are five years old, I will start treatment,” said McDonald. McDonald is here to respond to the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas communities suffering in silence dealing with trauma and finding it difficult to cope with their mental health. “Mental Health may be your boat and helicopter that is sent to help you, when you about to drown,” said McDonald. “I believe my emotional honesty has enable me to connect with my patient,” said McDonald. McDonald believes that to help someone you must accept them, then you can connect them to the treatment needed. Dr. Donald McDonald encourages anyone in the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas to seek help if you have mental health questions and/or problems. McDonald is located at in West Memphis, Arkansas and have opening to the public to assist with your mental health needs. Mental health is real and reality in the black, brown, and minority communities and it is not a “weakness” to get the proper attention from professional, that needed to manage your mental health. |
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library