The world of psychotherapy is profoundly personal and confidential; some may even say
secretive. All we bear witness to as clinicians will never leave that sacred space between the
patient (or client) and psychoanalyst (or therapist), nor will it ever be uttered to another person.
Because the specifics of a person's treatment never see the light of day, it's easy to stigmatize
or minimize psychotherapy. Like plastic surgery, we mostly hear about situations that go
wrong. As Psychotherapists, we never disclose the CEOs, Models, Actors, Musical Artists, Pro Athletes, and Performers we treat. We can only sit and cheer with everyone else when they are at their best. We don't get the credit, nor do we want it, but, unfortunately, most of you will
never realize your favorite public figure has no issue getting mental health support.
In many instances, therapists are the wind beneath their client's wings - invisible. The public
will see someone who seems well-balanced, successful, maintains healthy relationships, is
creative and productive, and is easy to be around. It's very likely the person you admire,
whether they admit it or not, is in some form of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, or counseling.
So we must use Kanye West as an educational moment. The end result shows there are little or
no mental health interventions in this case. Had there been adequate mental health
interventions, this current situation which has negatively impacted his financial success (to the
tune of $1.5 billion), would not have occurred.
As clinicians and mental health experts, we must use our voices to inform and empower
people. Mental illness may start as an individual problem, but it isn't. Relationships,
productivity, community, and, ultimately, society are affected by untreated mental illness - so
we must be our brother's keeper.
Why? Because when someone is in the throes of a mental health crisis - which Kanye is - they
are not always able to make decisions that are in their best interest because their judgment is
compromised. So it's up to us, as co-workers, clergy, friends, and family, to educate ourselves
on mental illness to help us support those around us who are struggling. At the time of this
article, 1 in 5 people struggle with mental illness. Yes, someone you know is suffering silently!
Psychoeducation is essential in our community because too many people suffer needlessly
due to little or no access to quality mental health services and information. Accurate
information is often replaced by misinformation and outdated attitudes. This negative attitude
towards mental health is especially true in our immigrant, black, and brown communities—the
ENRICH community.
Let's Learn From Kanye
The Kanye West situation is a vehicle for us to teach and reach those struggling with untreated
mental illness. We can discuss this publicly because it has been widely documented (including
by him) that he struggles with Bipolar Disorder.
The Intentions Behind This Article
Before proceeding, let us be clear this is not intended to address, positively or negatively, his
reported racist, prejudiced, anti-Semitic, culturally insensitive comments. This is not diagnostic
since I have never treated him, but it is about the impact of untreated mental illness, no matter
your socioeconomic situation.
Impediments To Care
Although finances can impede many, the attitude towards mental illness is often the most
significant challenge. Kanye's situation can highlight this fact, Kanye has the financial means.
Many of my clients had the financial means, even when they said they didn't. I have had clients
decide to invest in everything other than their mental health; they've invested in nightly eating
out, Caribbean vacations, new car purchases, and the like, then claim they cannot afford to
continue their treatment. They do not see their mental well-being as a non-negotiable, like they
would a tangible illness, such as treating an ulcer.
Untreated Mental Illness May be Dormant, But it Will Not Disappear.
Mental illness will not magically go away. Feeling better for a couple weeks does not mean you
are okay. You may be creative, productive, and highly successful, but mental illness will always
threaten your emotional, personal, interpersonal, and financial stability. Most mental illnesses
are on a continuum, fluctuating in severity. It may seem to disappear, but it doesn't. Don't be
fooled.
The Impact of Untreated Mental Illness
In Kanye's situation, we have witnessed the impact of his reportedly untreated mental illness.
He has lost standing with many of his creative partners, offended legions of his fans, hurt entire
communities, and placed others in danger. And we have not yet touched on the impact on his
family, children...or himself. Who in their right mind would make conscious decisions and
choices that would - at the snap of a finger - eradicate $1.5 billion of their $1.9 billion net
worth?! And then refuse to even attempt to correct those decisions?
As a society, we cannot continue to ignore mental illness, it may be the individual's issue, but it
can quickly become a familial and social problem. We have seen the impact of comments on
the Floyd family, the Jewish community, the Black community, and countless others we may
not know about.
Spirituality and Mental Illness
Though one's spirituality can be a great support and a compliment to professional treatment,
the reality is prayer on its own cannot and will not address mental illness.
If you struggle with mental illness, it must be treated by trained professionals. Sorry, but your
clergy is not trained.
The Takeaways-
• Someone can be successful, popular, and creative and still struggle with mental illness. It has
nothing to do with intelligence.
• If left untreated, mental illness can create unnecessary turmoil in your life.
• Sometimes, risking the anger and annoyance of those we love, we must encourage them
with empathy and compassion to get help.
• Mental illness treatment is not in competition with your religious and spiritual beliefs. It just
can't replace it.
• Mental illness in itself is not the problem. It's whether or not we decide to treat or ignore it
and then give it power.
• Someone can struggle with mental illness and be productive and financially successful in
their professional life.
• Mental illness often takes many forms. Do not make assumptions. Get professional help.
• The best investment you can make is not in the newest technology or exotic vacations. It's in
your mental health. Your mental health and wellness are the foundation on which everything
is built. I have had clients go on exotic vacations only to cut those vacations short because of
a mental health crisis!
• Remember your mental health and emotional wellness is at the foundation of everything you
do.