Mental & Emotional Wellness
We teach participants coping strategies to deal with anxiety stress and negative peer pressure.
Stress reduction, relaxation and the development of inner strength.
ADO begins the process of reducing the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community. We provide a forum for discussing feelings and concerns associated with current events (COVID-19, racism, civil unrest, etc.). We teach participants coping strategies to deal with bullying (online and physical) and identity issues. We utilize a custom designed curriculum focused on building self-esteem and confidence.
Discussing
Feelings
Reducing
Stigma
Understanding
Identity
Teach
Coping
The Issue
Access to mental health resources can be difficult to obtain for even the most priviledged.
According to Mental Health America, "the historical Black and African American experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence more often than for their White counterparts and impacts emotional and mental health of both youth and adults." COVID-19, police brutality, divisive political rhetoric, and the never-ending news cycle exacerbates the trauma and makes it more difficult than ever for young people to cope. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by the age of 14. Further, Mental Health America reports that Black and African American teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide than White teenagers. These factors make early intervention critically important. Black and African Americans hold generational beliefs related to stigma, psychological openness, and help-seeking, which in turn affects their coping behaviors.
How We Deliver
1.
We provide a forum for discussing feelings and concerns associated with current world events.
2.
We provide mental and emotional wellness strategies to reduce stress and anxiety.
3.
We provide coping strategies to deal with bullying (online and physical), and identity issues.
4.
In conjunction with a consultant health professional, we will develop a customized program to help our mentees deal with mental and emotional issues incidental to youth, as well as the unique challenges posed by growing up Black in America.
The Result
ADO will help to provide students with skills that will improve their ability to deal with challenges.
