Reflections from Deanne Austin: Minority Mental Health Awareness
Deanne, our Michigan State Manager at Khesed, reflects her experience of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month with us below. We invite you to read her thoughts to gain insight into her intersectional experiences working at Khesed, navigating grief and loss, and existing as a Black woman in America.
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July was Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In celebration of this important time, I’m here to share about the wonderful work I’ve been doing with Khesed Wellness.
As a Black woman, born and raised in one of the Blackest cities in America, mental health awareness is near and dear to my heart. Becoming the State Manager for Khesed as we continue to build in Michigan is both enthralling and, well, a bit humbling.
Khesed Wellness was founded in 2016, and makes outpatient mental health and wellness services affordable for the underinsured. My social justice advocacy and non-profit experience in minority spaces have led me to continue to push to improve mental health outcomes for those who need it most. Considering our mirrored goals and values, Khesed and I are a perfect fit.
One challenge I have faced while embarking on my journey with Khesed has been navigating my grief. I am still dealing with the loss of my mother who passed ten years ago, and my grandmother, who recently passed in March. Unfortunately, I “dropped out of therapy” in February when my grandma got sick.
Like most black women, despite being in the face of great adversity, I took on the “Superwoman” role.
Black and other Women of Color often carry the trope of attempting to save the world and everyone in it while neglecting our own needs. We tend to put ourselves aside and prioritize everyone else’s physical and mental health above our own.
A friend recently shared with me that if I didn't take care of my wellness, I was setting up a room for my illness.
Their tough love catalyzed my journey towards reprioritizing self-love.
Khesed, which sprouted its roots out of Denver, Colorado, is beginning to grow here in Michigan. Initially, I struggled with imagining how I could loop in the magnitude of their amazing work with my commitment to my community here throughout Michigan. I had to be honest with myself and address my mental health struggles. For many, this can be an extremely difficult process. For me, addressing the shame wasn’t as hard as I thought; however, the process of holding myself accountable was triggering.
There is no cure for the immense grief I’ve been grappling with.
Grief can sometimes feel as if it has nowhere to go. However, in the face of great odds, I’ve discovered that I can learn how to manage it. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help and talk to a therapist. I’m grateful that organizations like Khesed exist to remind us of what’s possible.
Help is out there if we open our minds and hearts to accept it.
There are many intersecting factors that affect minorities and their mental health. For so long, I was ashamed to talk about what is still somewhat of a taboo subject in our culture: therapy. Therapy may not be a quick fix, but it is a tool to help manage and heal over time.
Sometimes, I still fall back into that same cycle of not seeking help when I need it. I have never liked going outside of my comfort zone. And yet, I have compassion for myself, and am relearning that help is available when I choose to reach out.
If you’re curious about signing up for free or affordable therapy with Khesed, visit our website to learn more.
We have free therapy available for marginalized communities like BIPOC, Queer and Trans folks, and more, and we provide affordable therapy for underinsured people in California, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and Colorado.
We’re here for you, and you’re not alone.
