ROUND TWO

I’m in #Volunteer training again. I was talking to a friend about how things are rapidly changing in the field closest to my heart; #Suicide #Crisis #Intervention. Traditional training doesn’t equip me to deal w/ Facebook Live suicides & the like. It’s a different day we’re living in & it’s hard to ignore that hypersensitivity is increasing while low moral restraints are at an all time high. 

When I look around the class this year I notice I’m the only African American. As a native New Yorker who grew up submerged in all cultures, I’m unbothered. The common denominator to help others takes precedence. And if it were not so, many would agree that women are more likely to have impromptu Kum Ba Yah moments that cause us to move past differences in times of dire trouble anyway. In my experience however, it seems to be very different for men of color and I am concerned. Very. 

Who are men of color…people of color talking to? 

See I am also surrounded by several, kind SWAT team members who like me see a need for additional training. But in a crisis, when tensions are high & gathering crowds are frustrated & loud; how will it realistically pan out? Especially if a man of color doesn’t trust who’s first on the scene or who’s been assigned to help him.

Even on a crisis line, how comfortable is a caller if they feel the person on the other end can’t relate to them. Especially if the caller is historically perceived as an anomaly and/or a perceived threat on the brink of extinction. 

It’s a topic that’s really bothering me & I don’t wanna reinvent the wheel. Darren Walker (@cleverbastard) tackles it in his new documentary. Dese’Rae fearlessly gives everyone the mic via @_livethroughthis_. I dialogue with @iamdishan from a faith based perspective via @holdtolife & did you know the NOPCAS (National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide) was headquartered in Washington DC?

It’s a serious multifaceted issue & I’m tired of those struggling being diagnosed from the grave. 

Thoughts? 

2.19.17

#blackhistorymonth #cutting #selflove #selfharm #melanin #blackhealth #blackmentalhealth #awareness #mentalhealth #community #socialservices #ptsd
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