I attended a wonderful gathering of health professionals who were concerned for the Mental Health Status within the Ethiopian Community. The topic of discussion was Mental Illness and Suicide. The program was on August 25, 2012 in the Washington DC area.
I loved hearing the speakers as they were diverse in skill set among the many Universities such as George Mason and Harvard, The Department of Mental Health, Department of Family Medicine in Chicago, Counselors in Charter schools and Directors of Education within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. All of the speakers did an excellent job. It was put together on short notice due to the urgency of awareness as this week alone; there was a planned funeral service for two brothers who committed suicide.
Two very special people took the podium and all media was turned off for confidentiality. A young woman and man were able to draw in the audience, explaining their story of depression and difficulty in coming to this country and wanting to end their lives. It was a moving time. I cried. The facilitator, Tseday Aragie, gave members of the audience a chance to respond. I was able to share my thoughts as a health care clinician.
From being married and living within the culture, it has become clear to me that the family unit is such an integral part of each member's lives, that the family should be educated on the signs of Depression and Suicide. I also recommended a directory for contacting health care professional who are Ethiopian and sensitive to cultural needs. There should be a website on mental health specific to Ethiopians, with articles form other Ethiopians to break the stigma associated with having a mental or emotional illness. Lastly, an Ethiopian yahoo group sent an invitation for this event. (I get to be an invited member because of my husband). I suggested a similar group to be made for persons with mental health issues who can log on with alias names, for confidentiality.
I can't wait to attend the next gathering updating the community on breakthroughs and results from implementing the feedback.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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