UMADAOP Magazine

Increasing awareness, improving care

Seeing the signs Because of historical trauma and other cultural considerations, risk factors for suicide can be different for African Americans than for other populations. For example, “depression matters, but anxiety matters more for older black males,” Dr. Joe says. “These nuances are important.” Understanding those nuances and different risk factors is particularly important for those in the social services eld. UMADAOP staff can be primary points of contact for people struggling with mental illness and can make referrals to mental health services, but clients can’t get those referrals if warning signs are missed. Dr. Joe says there’s a misconception that suicide doesn’t happen in the black community, and he wants people to wake up to the fact that it is happening, and to recognize the warning signs. He says we need to challenge ingrained notions of masculinity and encourage those struggling with mental health issues to seek treatment. In his speech at the conference, Dr. Joe will explain how integrating a person’s religion more fully into their treatment plan can lead to better results, and he will also discuss how reducing access to lethal means (i.e. guns) can have a major impact in reducing suicide rates.

He will also touch on the role of substance abuse in suicidal behavior. With many people coming to UMADAOP seeking help for substance abuse issues, recognizing warning signs is critical for UMADAOP staff. But Dr. Joe says it’s important not to get too focused on one particular issue, but rather take a holistic approach to mental health overall. “Substance use and substance use disorders are important risk factors,” Dr. Joe says. “It’s part of the story, but it doesn't tell the whole story.”

UMADAOP conference speaker addresses suicide in the black community

“It’s important that we address the stigma of mental illness and help-seeking.” - Dr. Sean Joe, UMADAOP conference speaker

“How clinicians and practitioners view who’s at risk matters,” Dr. Joe says.

That’s why Dr. Joe says he wants those attending the conference to leave with an increased awareness about suicide and a reenergized spirit to do something about it. He says with more awareness and more commitment from care providers to learn more about it, we can make great strides in reducing suicide. “We have to look at the warning signs,” Dr. Joe says. “It’s important that they continue to educate themselves around that.”

The 2016 UMADAOP State Conference will feature countless activities, networking events, wellness sessions, as well as several notable speakers. One of this year’s speakers is Dr. Sean Joe, who will deliver a talk entitled “Suicide Among Young Black Men.” A professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Joe is a leading expert on mental health issues in the black community. He has conducted extensive research on suicide trends, father-focused family interventions, and the role of religion in suicidal behavior. In his address at the UMADAOP State Conference, Dr. Joe says he wants to increase awareness about suicide as well as break down barriers for those in need of mental health services.

“How clinicians and practitioners view who’s at risk matters.” - Dr. Sean Joe

“My message is about HEFT: hope, evidence, faith, and treatment,” Dr. Joe says. “It’s important that we address the stigma of mental illness and help-seeking.”

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