Cast No Stones

We must inform our youth how to live in a healthy way instead of letting them live in a “Oh they will figure it out” mode. Black families have their own unique casting of stones. “I’m not going to see no shrink…they don’t need to know my business!” Image is important to black people, they do not want people to think they are crazy, they think that seeking psychiatric help makes them appear weak when it actually shows that you care about your wellbeing. It is a show of your strength. I also believe we have this mindset because our parents taught us that what happens in the home stays in the home. In other words, you do not talk about what happens in the household or with family to anyone outside of the family. As believers we pray to God but we should not shy away from getting help from a professional. It is not about what you will look like to others, counseling is about becoming clear in your mind. We see too many news stories about black youth shooting or being shot (bullets are stones cast), carjackings, robberies, being abused or abusing, drugging and drinking, suicide; enough is enough of the casted stones that we throw at ourselves and others. Our youth need help. They need direction and support if they are going to rise out of their circumstances. Our youth are angry, frustrated, in pain and they will not admit it but they are also scared. Many of them do not believe they will live long so life has no value. They see wealth and an idea of the good life in movies and music videos then they compare what they see to how they live; little or no food, unable to get work, sick family members, little sisters and brothers unable to go the doctors because they cannot afford health care. Some of our youth see mom and/or dad strung out on drugs or alcohol, they turn a blind eye to mom having sex with their friends or dad molesting their little sister or brother. This is trauma and it must be handled. When you live trauma day in and day out, you are in serious need of counseling to get a different mind-set of how to rise out of your adversity and knowing your identity is vital to a healthy existence. Everyone is not able to rise out of adversity, some need help. Do not be afraid to request an African American Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counselor. You want someone who will understand your circumstances and be sure, not all African Americans will understand your struggle but it will help to forge a relationship quicker. It is the same joining a mentoring program. Our youth need to know that there is still hope for a better life no matter what they have experienced. The lessons that will help move them forward… financial management, goal planning, knowing your talents, determine your purpose, communication skills, how to approach an interview, search trade skills; not everyone will go to college but they need to know that there is a way to survive even in times of struggle.