Who do you run to when you need help and how do you describe the nature of the help you need? The past forty to fifty years have expanded American society in that we discuss more and more issues openly instead of remaining in our dark closets.

One example of the new openness is sexual child abuse. When I was a child during the seventies, there was no public awareness campaigns geared toward children. Few parents discussed the “touch” that would make us feel uncomfortable. There were seldom reports on the news about pedophiles or molesters. Many of the victims of this type of abuse felt ashamed and they remained silent. These feelings were the prevailing attitude up until the past twenty years or so.

Admitting to having a relative with a mental illness or worse yet, being diagnosed with a mental illness is something that still remains taboo, especially in communities of color. When someone does need help, this is what I have heard over the years.

 “Naw. Your mamma don’t need to be going to no psychologist messin’ round in her head. White folks don’ did too much of that already.” -From a Personal Conversation about getting help for my mother.

 If I want help, I just call on my family. Chil’d, I ain’t bout to talk to nobody’s doctor! -From a Personal Conversation

 Even though there are films such as Silver Lining’s Playbook and novels such as the late Bebe Moore Campbell’s 72 Hour Hold, it is still seen as the problem of white folks.

 There is more information available online and in printed text about African Americans who have been diagnosed with a depression disorder. Still, it is more difficult to discuss other mental health issues that adversely affect us especially when the symptoms are obvious to everyone around them.

 Think about that neighbor, that man or that woman who walks up and down the streets of your neighborhood talking to him/herself. Ruby’s mental illness was easy to conceal because she remained behind closed doors. Our family’s biggest secret.