THE SUMMIT
COVER STORY
and treated for mental illness, some- thing seen as more stigmatizing. There is the danger of denial of substance use disorder, prolonging attendant somatic damage, or concealing it, which often initiates, exacerbates or adds to mental illness. In short, any person with mental illness, or conversely, any person with substance use disorder, must be evalu- ated for the other. Treatment effective- ness cannot be achieved without doing so.” The panel also prepared data, mental health awareness and clinical facts about specific topics to share during the men- tal health awareness panel: epigenetics, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), the pre- vention of a Mood or Anxiety Disorder, the early recognition of a Personality Disorder, Domestic Violence & Interper- sonal Relationships, and the treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. At the conclusion of the mental health panel, there were approximately ten undergraduates who expressed interest in pursuing an advance degree, graduate medical degree in medicine, behavioral sciences or mental health. Ultimately, mental health should be prioritized alongside physical health.
Psychosocial crises very often suggest that professional mental health care is needed. The human mind, body and spirit require daily, monthly and annual maintenance just as an automobile, home or computer. This “maintenance” is essential to any functional intimate & social relationship. There is an expres- sion in dentistry: “be true to your teeth or they will be false to you.” In mental health: “don’t make a permanent deci- sion for your temporary emotion.” Lastly, your mental health is a priority, your happiness is an essential, and your self- care is a necessity. Don’t perpetuate the negative stigma about behavioral and or mental health. Please see a behavioral and or mental health professional/pro- vider, if the need arises; the choice to do so is priceless. Written by: Dr. Samuel Odom, Ph.D. (Beta Gamma 1993) Member, New Orleans Alumni Chapter, Health & Wellness Chair- man- Southwestern Province and the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission Dr. Roger L. Wortham, M.D. (Alpha Sigma 1969) Member, New Orleans Alumni Chap- ter and Health & Wellness Chairman- New Orleans (LA) Alumni Chapter
Jwyanza Watt, LEADKappa Director, also led discussions with the delegates during the Un- dergraduate Summit.
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL | 37
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