JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the last one The sudden death of dancer and reality TV star Stephen “DJ tWitch” Bossmental health conversations have been added.
State Representative Angie Nixon felt compelled to speak out about a tragedy that struck her family just a week before DJ tWitch took her own life.
In a tweet, Nixon told her followers that she lost her sister to suicide in early December. Nixon also had to make the baker a boyfriend.
I just found out that DJ Twitch took his life. Today is exactly one week since I found out my sister got hers. For my black community, it’s okay to ask for help. Let people know you’re hurting. That you are in pain. Life is hard. But please let people help you through it. Call for help 988 4.
— State Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) December 14, 2022
Nixon said people can help address issues similar to what she’s experienced by aggressively advocating for free, low-cost mental health services, especially for marginalized communities.
News4JAX spoke with a mental health counselor who said her clients in the Black community often cancel or don’t show up for appointments because “mental health is not a priority.”
Melanie Mickey said her clients often tell her they have bills to pay or that they have too much to devote to their mental health.
Mickey described the socioeconomic disparities that prevent many people in the black community from getting help.
Nixon also tweeted about the stigma:
And black people. Stop perpetuating the terrible stigma around suffering from mental health. It is a disease. This needs medical attention. It is not a weakness. You can’t pray it. And talk openly about it. Especially if you get over it. You could save someone’s life.
— State Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) December 9, 2022
“The differences among African-American women, what I’ve noticed is that when they come into therapy and outpatient, they don’t really have a family support system for their mental health,” Mickey said. “I think in African-American culture, it’s still stigmatized.”
After learning of Dj tWitch’s death, Nixon sent a message to the black community encouraging people to “get help.”
Mickey said a therapist is just as important as having a primary care physician. She also said the holidays can be difficult for people struggling with mental health.
“I think what happens is people who struggle with depression, anxiety, any kind of mood disorder, the holidays make it worse,” Mickey said.
News4JAX does not assume this was the case for Nixon’s sister or tWitch. These are common scenarios seen by mental health counselors.
If you are dealing with a mental health issue, contact the following resources below:
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 (TALK); 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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TALK text in 741741 (suicide)
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Send message to HOME to 741741 (crisis)
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Family Support of Children’s Home Society: Hotline 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
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United Way: Call 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention
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Here tomorrow: The Neptune Beach Helpline is available Monday through Friday 8:00am-8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm — (904) 372-9087 (here tomorrow.org)
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