Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Tonja Myles
Use Black History Month to educate Black people about the challenges facing their community, where fentanyl overdoses and suicides have increased faster than any other time in U.S. history, says a former White House representative and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline spokeswoman.
“The history of African Americans and mental health is complicated,” says Tonja Myles, executive director of Set Free Indeed. “Many have faced systemic oppression, prejudice and discrimination, which has created a spike in mental health challenges such as higher risks of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder,” she says.
The increase in suicide rates and fentanyl deaths among the community compounds the problem and emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate mental health services and resources, adds Myles, a suicide attempt, substance abuse and sexual abuse survivor who worked with President George W. Bush’s administration on substance abuse.
Historically when communities of color are in crisis, they won’t ask for help due to sigma and fear. Myles is working on a different outcome with new resources such as the 988 hotline. She has also released a video that describes her own battle with these issues plus stories from survivors who have real-life experience with mental health or substance abuse issues and want to give others hope.
“When I was in the throes of thinking about killing myself, I thought that the pain would die with me,” she says. “I needed help to know that it doesn’t — it only transfers to every family member and friend I have. I’m glad I am alive to share my story, and I hope these new resources will be a life saver,” she says.
Link to 988:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
About Tonja Myles
988 spokeswoman Tonja Myles (www.TonjaMyles.com) is the co-founder and executive director of the faith-based outpatient center Set Free Indeed and the community support program Set Free Indeed Ministry. She was recognized by President George W. Bush for her work during his 2003 State of the Union, and she served for six years as the public face of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and its work on substance abuse treatment. Her Congressional testimonies have been used to assist those suffering from mental health and additional crises. She is a survivor of suicide, substance abuse, childhood and adult sexual abuse and PTSD. She has moved thousands of people to sobriety and a healthy, self-sustainable lifestyle with her work. She has won more than a dozen awards for her service including the Johns Hopkins Substance Abuse Innovators Award 2005 and the Daily Point of Light award 2004. She serves on multiple boards and health advisory councils including the Louisiana Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health Crisis System Implementation Plan Council. She is an ordained minister, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, author, community activist and Army National Guard veteran.
