suicide awareness month: why i felt it was important to create a black-owned recovery based mental health service

By Jasmine Pierre*, AFROPUNK Contributor

September is Suicide Prevention month. Did you know that Suicide is the 16th leading cause of death for black people of all ages? (Source: American Association Of Suicidology). With that being said I would like to touch on an important subject matter and that is Mental Health Care services in the black community. Our people continue to not seek help when it comes to their Mental Health.

It is also statistically proven that “African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population” (source NAMI), yet and still many will not seek out services.

I want to take the time to mention a black owned Recovery Based Mental Health Service that is extremely affordable (Only 35 dollars). The name of this business is called LiveHopeChange. I run this Recovery service to help those who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

What makes me Qualified to help others find their own form of recovery? First and foremost I am an individual who is in Recovery. I have lived experiences with depression, anxiety, and suicide, and I have become passionate in helping others who go through those challenges.

What are my credentials? I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist (which means I’m actually certified to help others recover from mental health and substance abuse challenges), Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder, and I am Certified through the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) to speak about my personal experiences with Mental Health and Recovery.

Only about one-quarter of African Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40% of whites (Source NAMI).

A lot of people in the black community just do not feel comfortable talking about their mental health and this seriously needs to change.

I feel that maybe if some are not comfortable talking to a therapist just yet, that maybe they will be comfortable talking to someone who looks like them and is willing to listen and help them find their own form of Recovery. I take what I do very seriously and I know the help for mental health is very needed in our community. The more we talk about mental health and recovery, the more our people will feel comfortable with receiving more Mental Health Care Services.

I want the black community to know that they do not need to feel helpless about their Mental Health.

Remember that Hope, help, and change is out their. Your life matters so pleasedon’t be afraid to receive help. If you’re interested in learning more about my Recovery services please visit my website.

Jasmin Pierre is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder, Mental Health Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Author of the self help book “A Fight Worth Finishing”, and Owner of the Recovery based service LiveHopeChange. Jasmin is constantly fighting for the rights of those who battle Mental Health Challenges.

Facebook | Instagram

*Jasmin Pierre is a Mental Health Activist, Motivational Speaker, and author of “A Fight Worth Finishing”. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana. Jasmin is constantly fighting for the rights of those suffering from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She is a future life coach, and aspires to continue writing, speaking, and encouraging others to never give up.