Discussion 3:
A topic that interests me in research is spiritual bypass inside the African
American community. I have pondered the foundation of the negative
stigma connected to receiving mental health services outside of their
spiritual beliefs. This subject is intriguing considering the way that in the
African American population, mental health issues are limited and
dismissed, as it related to searching for outside therapist and counselors.
In some instances, when you meet a African American who is highly
engaged in their spiritual life, their pastors and leaders become their
"healers". Some of the negative stigma, can derive from one's
environment, directly or indirectly. My own decision expresses that there
are certain scriptures (1 Kings 19:4, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7) that
urge individuals to initiate their highest level of faith to get to God's
promises. Using these scriptures as motivation to overcome your
challenges is ideal. However, when we are solely basing our health on the
scriptures and prayers from our leaders, we tend to find ourselves in a
