The stresses we’ve experienced collectively as a city, state, and nation since COVID-19 arrived in the United States have largely been unmatched. As we dealt with a previously unseen virus wreaking havoc in our communities, worried about masking and prevention, navigated shortages on necessary goods, and even grieved losses, our mental health suffered.

According to Mental Health America, the prevalence of mental illness was growing even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the organization reports that the pandemic made things worse. In a 2021 report, among other topics, Mental Health America noted that:

• Children ages 11-17 were the most likely group to be dealing with “moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
• Thoughts of suicide are most common amongst 11-17 year-olds, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
• Instances of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are up for all races.
• Black individuals experience the greatest level of change over time in the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms.

The study also uncovered ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic “exacerbated existing inequities and injustices faced primarily by black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the United States.”

“At Cempa, we are always reviewing this type of information, and we’re also spending time out in our community, talking to the people we serve,” says LaDarius Price, Community Outreach Manager for Cempa. “If we’re going to build trust and create programs that really engage people, we have to know the struggles they’re dealing with.”

Honoring National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

As we recognize National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July, we wanted to share a few programs Cempa started to address the mental health needs of underserved populations in our community.

Meals with Marlee: A healthy diet is the foundation of a healthy mind and body. Cempa Community Care’s Registered Dietician, Marlee Clemens, has created a variety of Meals with Marlee recipes to share ideas for easy, nutritious meals. Cempa also provides a Food Market and nutritional counseling appointments.

Neighborhood Workout Jam Sessions: Cempa’s Outreach team launched the “Neighborhood Workout Jam Sessions” to encourage healthy and active lifestyles for the Chattanooga community. Combined with hip-hop music and fun workouts, the Neighborhood Workout Jam Sessions are a fun way to stay active.

Cempa TALKS MindReach Podcast: As COVID-19 spread across the country last year, teenagers found themselves shifting to an unfamiliar world of remote learning. So participants in the Leadership Chattanooga program developed a podcast to help teenagers whose lives changed overnight. The goal of the MindReach podcast is to make resources and conversations with mental health professionals available to teens who are struggling.

Cemple Expressions: Cempa’s Cemple Expressions program fights social disparities and improves health outcomes for Chattanooga’s inner-city minority community by providing awareness and education of a healthy lifestyle with weekly yoga sessions, healthy snacks, and mental health therapy sessions to African American youth.

“To be truly ‘healthy,’ you have to address the whole person,” Price says. “That’s making sure you’re eating right, you’re getting exercise, and that you’re comfortable talking about the things that are causing stress to build. These programs help us educate our community and provide resources that help people help themselves.” 

Cempa offers a wide range of support services that care for the whole person. If you or someone you know is looking for mental health or other services, call (423) 265 2273 or email us to learn more.