Advancing More Accessible Mental Health Resources Increases in Black Communities
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jacksonville, florida – The recent sudden death of dancer and reality TV star Stephen “DJ tWitch” Boss has increased conversations about mental health.
State Rep. Angie Nixon felt compelled to speak out about the tragedy that struck her family just a week before DJ tWitch lost her life.
In a tweet, Nixon told his followers that he lost his sister to suicide in early December.
I just learned that DJ Twitch took his life. It’s been exactly a week today since I found out that her sister took her away. To my black community, it’s okay to ask for help.Let people know you’re hurting. what you are suffering from. Life is hard. But have people help you through it. Call 988 4 for help.
— Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) December 14, 2022
Nixon believes that people can help cope with similar problems she experienced by actively advocating for free to low-cost mental health services, especially for marginalized communities. said that it is possible to
Mental health counselors told News4JAX that black community clients often cancel appointments or don’t show up because “mental health is not a priority.”
Melanie Mickey said her clients often tell her they have bills to pay or that they have too much to devote to mental health.
Mickey explained that socioeconomic disparities are preventing many in the black community from getting help.
Nixon also tweeted about the stigma, saying:
and black. Let’s stop perpetuating the horrible stigma that he suffers from mental health. It’s sick. You need to see a doctor for that. It’s not a weakness. I can’t pray And be open about it. Especially if you overcome it. You may be saving someone’s life.
— Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) December 9, 2022
“The gap that I’ve noticed with African-American women is that the family support system for mental health doesn’t really exist when they go to therapy or outpatient clinics,” Mickey said. I think it’s still stigmatized in human culture.”
Upon learning of Dj tWitch’s death, Nixon sent a message to the black community urging people to “get help.”
Mickey said having a therapist is just as important as having a primary care doctor. She also said vacations can be tough for people struggling with mental health.
“I think it’s happening to people who suffer from depression, anxiety, all kinds of mood disorders. Vacations make it worse,” Mickey said.
News4JAX does not assume this is the case with Nixon’s sister or tWitch. These are scenarios that mental health counselors often see.
If you are dealing with mental health issues, contact the following sources of information.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (Talk); 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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text talk ~ 741741 (suicide)
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text home ~ 741741 (crisis)
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Children’s Home Society Family Support: Warmline 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
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United Way: Dial 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention
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today tomorrow: The Neptune Beach Helpline is available Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm — (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)
Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
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