By Zenebe G. Tamirat
On March 29, 2014 dozens of Ethiopians and other African
Community members gathered at the Los Angeles, Veteran Hall of Culver City, to
discuss Mental Health Problems that are rapidly growing in the Ethiopian
Community.
According to a leaflet circulated in
the gathering, the African Communities Public Health Coalition (ACPHC) was founded in
response to the lack of proper mental health outreach and the growing problem
of mental illness in African communities, mainly in the Ethiopian community apparently in
the Diaspora, and particularly, here in the State of California.
In a brief speech she made at the gathering of
the Ethiopian Community Mental Health Training and Education Project, sponsored
by its creator, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), Dr.
Breanda Ingram, just whispered but not brag about how ACPH was created. She did
not brag about it, because the idea of the creation had sprung
in the office of some ladies working in the LACDMH office, including herself. She remained humble rather than proud of her great job. On the part of the Ethiopian wing, the motor
behind this great initiation was Senayet Admasu, a tireless young lady who
devotedly serve her community day-in and day-out.
Dr. Tedela W. Giorgis (PhD), a demonstratively
able professional of mental health with incredible knowledge and vast experience
both in the U.S.A. and travelling abroad presented the lessons on Mental Health
in relation with Ethiopian Diaspora in North America and the folks at home. According
to Dr. Giorgis, “Suicide is the sincerest form of hopelessness.” In his view, we have got to deal with mental health
disorder in our community or it will take care of its victims “In 32 years of
services,” he says, “I have lost one Ethiopian. When there is no one to help
them they commit suicide, they cut their lives out.” He sadly emphasizes. “We
have got to deal with mental health disorder!”
Prominent mental
health issues in Ethiopia include depression, suicide, bipolar-depression, post-traumatic
stress, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse such as alcohol and “chat or
Khat,” (a green plant, with minor drug content, the leaves of which are chewable.
Khat is illegal in the U.S). Depression represents 5% in the prevalence of mental
illness in Ethiopia and suicide rate is 7.7 per million per year, according to
Dr. Tedela W. Giorgis. This means about 720 persons die committing suicide every
year in Ethiopia due to depression.
Mental health problems may lead to difficulty in understanding
and communicating, getting around, self-care, getting along with people and
working (including house work). The mentally ill is exposed to stigma, discrimination
and abuse. According to Dr. Giorgis, stigma increases the burden of disease
even further.
Among the causes of mental illness, biological causes such
as genetically inherited causes, chemical imbalance in the brain, head injury, alcohol
or “Khat” use, and under nutrition are considered. Also Psychological causes include, traumatic
childhood, too many worries, or anxiety, stress and family problems,
disappointment, frustration, severe shock and migration and acculturation to a
new environment are observed. Accounted to as causes of mental illness are also
social causes, such as poverty, isolation, migration and discrimination.
The
Ethiopian Community Mental health Training and Education Project will continue
teaching and alarming the dangers of mental illness, according to the pioneering
motivator Senayet Admasu. Number of participants in the work-shop last Sunday was
very low. In her closing speech, Senayet called members of the Los Angeles
Ethiopian Community to take advantage of the free services that the project is offering
by participating in the next gathering. Those who need consultation may contact
the Association via telephone number, Tall free, (24/7 mental health access),
1-800 854-7771 or (213) 909-7379. May also visit www.africancoalition.org.
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