By Vive Akugha
Thursday, 6 May , 2021
Mental health is a vital part of our sanity especially when we’re aware of it. For this reason, organizations such as Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition are important. They improve and promote culturally appropriate mental health programs as they collaborate with their organization members to achieve that and several others. Their webinar titled: Black Mental Health Matters: How the 2021 Budget Addresses the needs of Canada’s Black Communities was jointly hosted by Sophia Jacob, founder of the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network; and Dr. Jude Cenat, Professor of Psychology, University of Ottawa. It was held in recognition of the 70th annual Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week (May 3-9).
Panelists included: Dr. Josephine Etowa, Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa; Dr. Mandisa Peterson, a clinical psychologist with the Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; plus two University of Ottawa students: Boaz Injege and Kerry Menelas. Guest speaker was the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Hon. Ahmed Hussen.
Mental health can be a sensitive topic but poor mental health is harmful. Panelist Dr. Mandisa Peterson stated in the live event that members of the black community are more prone to mental disorders. Factors like racism and microaggressions can increase stress which leads to them. Without being a victim, watchers of racism can be just as stressed. Panelist Dr. Josephine Etowa added to this by stating that even babies can experience stress from the womb from the minute they’re born. Knowing the possible ways and the depth of which stress could affect us, is more reason why positive mental health practices should be embraced. Detailing how the 2021 budget addresses the mental health needs of black Canadians, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Hon. Ahmed Hussen, described the different funds’ allocations and stated that the monetary support of the budget is greater this year than the past. The budget for this year is $100 million to enable development. This is an upgrade from the previous $25 million meant to last for 5 years. This would be used to build capacity and infrastructure to support black Canadian community organizations. He mentioned the setting up of a $200 million endowment fund. This perpetual fund would support non-profit and charitable organizations within the community. Several allocations were stated to support the growth and protection of black Canadians inclusive of mental health. He also stated the ways the funds could be gotten from the government.
University of Ottawa panelists: Boaz Injege and Kerry Menelas asked questions such as how to encourage mental health awareness, as well as what to do to address discrimination within the health care system. Throughout the event there were statements to answer this, inclusive of Dr. Peterson’s direct answer. Being ashamed to ask for assistance when managing frustrations does not help anyone. Shedding the shame to better one’s self will always be a good choice. Awareness could be created through partnerships with organizations to make easily available resources for the community. These resources could include created programs, brief flyers and more. Panelists were of the opinion that there should be a drive to increase the number of Black Canadian psychiatrists and therapists, as they are in a better position to understand the types of problems we go through. These were some of the suggestions to support good mental health in the community.
About the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition
This coalition of Black leaders comprises of key stakeholders, community members, academics, health and social service providers, and other partners who are embedded within the mental health and social service sector, all of whom are committed to dismantling the systemic barriers that exist within our health system. For more information visit: www.obmhc.ca or email: [email protected]
Vive Akugha is a student in the Bachelor of Arts degree program at the University of Ottawa, majoring in Communications. She writes on social issues, well-being and out of curiosity. Her major platform for writing is on Medium.com as @veevehhswritings. As a follower on there, you can sign up for her email list to be up-to-date on her posts. She is @Veevehhwrites on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share your opinions with her as she is with you.
