Seperation of Church and Science

Growing up as person of color, there were just a few rules we were expected to know as a kid, not saying only children of color have these rules, but the lasting effects are beyond evident in those children. For example, when adults are speaking, you shouldn’t be heard, let alone be seen; when you walk in any store, you better not ask for anything; you can’t go in and out the house, because you smell like outside so pick one; and to paraphrase the most important one, when in doubt, pray it out.  These are just a sample of the guidelines, we all had for basic survival until we reached the age of having our “lil friends” in the house when nobody’s home but that’s another story for another time. Of course with time, these rules adapt along the explanation for said rules begin to make sense . Although wisdom is a bi-product of age, when we continue to grow and slowly put ourselves in the shoes of elders a few concepts are still tough to grasp.

Specifically in the African-American community, the thought of something being greater than our faith baffles us and can often be seen as utterly disrespectful. Although the conversation surrounding mental health is taken in the most passive way possible, it is still a topic most would like to avoid. Similar to the way we were told to “go lay down” when our stomachs were upset, we are also pacified in the event of being mentally upset. The offerings of being crazy, ungrateful, or overly emotional toward life have been passed out throughout our community as the reasons behind not being at peace to which we are directed to simply “pray about it.” How many times have we asked about a person we see on the side of the road, in a store, or even at the family reunion that obviously is going through something internally but is brushed off as being “paranoid all the time”, “sad for no reason” or “just being their crazy selves”? The signs of people calling out for help are laid in front of us daily, yet we continue to sweep them under the rug. The late rapper XXXTENTACION can be cited in one of his highest rated songs “SAD!” as suicide being a possible escape for the pain he was going through on a daily basis. A talented artist that had his entire career ahead of him was just one of millions that go through life as a walking shell, hoping that anyone or anything can help them fight themselves.

 According to Catholicism and Christianity, two of the most common if not the most common religions for POC, Jesus (God, The Father, Yawhe, or El Shaddai) is the ultimate healer for every ailment. Granted as man of faith myself, I firmly believe that seeking help from a higher power should be the direction I’m headed in times of unrest, but as I get older and literally open my eyes to the world around me, I can’t help but feel like that’s not the only answer. From what I understand, all of our wisdom and talents that have been given to us have come from above. That being said, why is it considered outlandish to look toward the medical field for help? Even the Bible says “Faith without works is dead.” Being told to pray about it isn’t the wrong answer, in my opinion; it’s just the starting point.

 Mental ILLNESS is indeed an illness, just like the flu or anything else that we take medicine or have a remedy for, so how are the same steps not taken? In this far of our development as a people, how can we still not understand the importance of medical attention for those of us that suffer quietly at the hands of depression or anxiety? Enough is enough. There are millions of African-Americans every year that go without being diagnosed or treated  for a mental illness, because of the negative stigma surrounding the issue that ultimately claims more lives as time goes by. I can’t sit here and let it continue to be ignored or pacified. For those of you that need help, I beg you to please seek help. If you’re a person of faith like me, I encourage you to seek spiritual help in addition to medical help. There are people out here that care about you, myself included.  You’re not crazy, and you’re not overly emotional. You, just like millions across the world, are going through something that can be defeated with help. You are not alone. 

-Malcolm Anderson

About Malcolm

Malcolm Anderson is a Cum Laude graduate of Reinhardt University. From the beginning of his education the ideas of creativity and ever expanding curiosity were instilled in him. He loves working with children and  helping them believe that they can do anything they put their mind to, a lesson he was taught from an early age. Although his focus is on Sport Media Malcolm has been writing for various mediums over the past few years and aims to expand his repertoire in efforts to reach as many people as possible.

 

 

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