This July, we asked members of our leadership team to share personal or work experiences related to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Mental Health Month. Our Vice President of Adult Developmental Disability Services, Pam Brown, wrote the following opinion piece about her experience growing up in an African American Christian household and how the “Pray it Away” philosophy impacted her life ~
“Pray It Away” this phrase has been used when discussing homosexuality but it was also used in my household for many years as it relates to mental illness.
Growing up in a Christian household, I always heard my grandmother say, “there is nothing wrong with him.” Pray and God will take it away. PUSH (pray until something happens). Mental health was looked at as a “demon.” Elders thought if you pray until God fixes the issue you would no longer have a mental illness. Most times my family just accepted the person for who they were and labeled it as “busy”, “can’t sit steal”, “crazy”, and “confused.”
Symptoms such as not eating, sweaty palms in challenging situations, and insomnia were prayed for during prayer sessions. It wasn’t until a very close family member needed counseling and I was able to see that she needed more than prayer. Did my family accept that our loved one needed more than prayer? No, but after the therapy sessions and the behavior began to change, they accepted the idea and began to think about other family members that could benefit from therapy. Prayer is definitely effective and I know that it still works but there are professional therapist that can help us understand and treat our mental illnesses.
What I learned…….Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. Just like a physical illness, mental illness can be treated. Some illnesses can be managed so well that no one knows that there is a diagnosis. But it is important for us to recognize that there is always help. Does prayer help? Yes, but it doesn’t make the mental illness go away. It is not a “demon”. It is a condition that involves changes in our emotions and behaviors. Once a person recognizes his/her condition and seeks treatment, coupled with prayer(if that’s your belief) mental health can be managed and your life can be fulfilling and rewarding.
If you have the pray it away philosophy, as you pray ask for direction in finding the right person to meet your mental health needs. Pray without ceasing but remember mental health treatment can be effective. – Pam Brown
Oaks Integrated Care remains dedicated to staying informed about BIPOC mental health and supporting all individuals living with mental illness. If you or someone you know is looking for services, Oaks is here to help. To learn more about our mental health services or to schedule an appointment, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or fill out our contact form.
