In the heart of Philadelphia, Dr. Atasha Jordan, a Christian psychiatrist, spearheads the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI).
This visionary program is dedicated to offering free mental health first aid training to various churches, aimed at fostering a greater understanding of these crucial issues in faith communities.
Fostering Awareness and Community Support
On a January day, the congregation at Christ Community Church gathered in a beautifully appointed space, echoing with grand ceilings and vibrant stained glass.
While the setting resembled a typical worship service, the focus was sharply aligned on mental health awareness and community support for those struggling with mental health challenges.
After an uplifting hymn, a panel discussion unfolded, framed under the theme “It’s a Family Affair: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health, Spirituality, and Faith.” This insightful engagement was a collaborative effort involving the American Psychiatric Association, CMHI, and the church.
Among the participants was Christian Mackey, a college student eager to delve into the field of mental health.
He expressed enthusiasm about these discussions finding a home in church activities, emphasizing the critical need to merge spiritual beliefs with mental health practices—reminding everyone that there are effective solutions beyond prayer alone.
For years, mental health has often been shrouded in stigma in religious settings, frequently considered a taboo subject—even when it pertains to clergy facing burnout or churchgoers in need of help.
Despite this, faith communities are beginning to recognize their essential role in reaching underserved and often overlooked populations.
CMHI serves as a beacon toward delivering mental health education, particularly in predominantly Black churches like Christ Community.
Dr. Jordan’s Journey and Mission
At the January gathering, Dr. Jordan donned a shirt proclaiming “JESUS + THERAPY,” a powerful representation of her identity that transcends her professional title.
As she articulated her journey, she highlighted her roles as a daughter, wife, and sister, showcasing the importance of community in both mental health and spirituality.
Cheryssa Hislop, a medical student and CMHI volunteer, praised Dr. Jordan’s dedication to giving back and honoring her roots in medicine with her work.
Reflecting on her upbringing in a tightly-knit Christian family, Dr. Jordan recognized that mental health discussions were seldom, if ever, broached.
It wasn’t until her academic journey through esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania that she began to appreciate how faith intersects with mental health care.
A transformative moment stemmed from her psychiatry rotation, where she witnessed patients experiencing renewed hope through the compassionate care they received—something she described as spiritually enlightening.
The urgency of addressing mental health became glaringly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Dr. Jordan was invited to discuss depression at a church, the overwhelming attendance underscored a community eager for informed dialogue.
It was then she felt a divine call to establish CMHI, believing it to be inspired by God’s guidance.
Dr. Jordan’s message resonates clearly: mental health issues are as treatable as physical illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure, and seeking help does not negate one’s faith.
She is committed to dismantling the stigma that surrounds mental health within Christian communities, urging individuals to consult mental health professionals without fear of judgment.
Impact and Future Endeavors
To kickstart her mission, Dr. Jordan undertook research to assess the needs of local faith-based communities, supported through a fellowship and grant from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
A pilot study on mental health first aid training in Black churches across Philadelphia revealed significant gains in participants’ knowledge about mental health and their readiness to refer others for assistance.
Officially launched in 2022, CMHI now conducts monthly mental health training sessions and annual symposiums.
These initiatives cover a range of topics, from bipolar disorder to maternal mental health for minority groups.
Intern Caroline Ezekwesili emphasized the significance of first aid training in combating the bystander effect, where individuals hesitate to act in a crisis, assuming someone else will intervene.
She pointed out the need to make such training readily available in faith communities, noting that many facing mental health challenges often seek help from their churches.
Bernita Mapp, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, shared her personal journey through grief over the last five years, including the passing of her mother, two sisters, and son.
After experiencing a CMHI mental health first aid training, she applied the knowledge she gained when a friend reached out concerning her son’s alarming online activity.
Mapp recognized the practical relevance of Dr. Jordan’s initiative, which has played a pivotal role in her healing process.
Through digital platforms, Dr. Jordan has extended CMHI’s impact to churches across the Caribbean and West Africa.
While balancing her roles as a nonprofit leader, psychiatrist, and educator at Rowan University, she dedicates time to mentoring interns and volunteers embarking on their medical careers.
Former intern Jada Jordan remarked on the supportive network Dr. Jordan has fostered for aspiring healthcare professionals from various backgrounds. Dr. Jordan is determined to not only improve access to mental health services but also equip the next generation of healthcare providers to embrace the vital connection between faith and mental health care.
Her efforts reflect a commitment to developing practitioners who can meet the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals seeking care.
Source: Religionnews
