Healing from Trauma and Taking Control of Your Health
This is in interview with Lorenzo a 3 time cancer survivor and Dr. Clem Richardson on Mental health Awareness
Interview with Dr Clem Richardson MANNA
When I sat down with Dr. Clem Richardson from MANNA, our conversation quickly turned to the critical challenges facing Black and Brown communities today—particularly the intersection of trauma, mental health, and addiction. It was a deep and eye-opening dialogue that touched on how historical oppression, poverty, and systemic racism have created a compounded mental health crisis in our communities. Yet, even in the face of all this, the most important takeaway was a message of resilience and healing.
Trauma and Mental Health: A Hidden Crisis
Dr. Clem and I explored how trauma is often misunderstood or overlooked, especially in communities of color. I shared how, for many Black men, what’s diagnosed as schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder is often a reflection of lived experiences—experiences rooted in systemic oppression and violence. From witnessing violence to growing up in poverty, many are born into environments that predispose them to mental health issues. This is an inherited trauma, passed down through generations.
This trauma isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. So often, these issues go untreated, leading to cycles of addiction and crime. I emphasized to Dr. Clem that addiction and survival mechanisms aren’t choices—they’re reactions to the overwhelming pain when there’s a lack of resources for healing and treatment.
Understanding Environmental and Social Factors
The environments we grow up in profoundly shape who we become. During our conversation, I described how high crime rates, pollution, and generational poverty can have a lasting impact on both mental and physical health. People in my community often feel like they’re raised in "mental prisons," trapped not just by their circumstances but by a mindset that normalizes dysfunction. From living in redlined neighborhoods to breathing toxic air near industrial zones, survival can feel like a constant fight.
Dr. Clem and I also discussed how social factors play a role in this crisis. Growing up in a single-parent home or without a father figure can leave emotional scars that run deep. Some children in our communities witness substance abuse firsthand, sometimes even learning to administer Narcan to save their own parents. This early exposure to addiction, violence, or untreated mental health issues creates a cycle of trauma that can stretch across generations.
Addiction and Mental Health: The Role of Epigenetics
One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was about epigenetics—the idea that trauma can be passed down through generations. I explained how the stress a pregnant mother feels or the emotional turmoil of a father in and out of jail doesn’t just affect the parents—it impacts the child, even while still in the womb. This generational transmission of trauma means that true healing requires more than just treating symptoms; it requires breaking cycles.
We also touched on how mental health challenges in marginalized communities are often the result of historical and societal forces. I pointed out the racial disparities in how drug addiction is treated in America. In Black communities, drug addiction was criminalized, while in white communities, opioid addiction is seen as a public health crisis. This long history of racial bias makes it even harder for marginalized communities to receive the care they need.
Breaking the Cycle: The Importance of Healing
Despite all the challenges we talked about, Dr. Clem and I ended our conversation on a hopeful note. I shared my own journey—how I overcame addiction and trauma and how my work today is all about helping others find their path to healing. I advocate for mental health awareness and emphasize the need to treat trauma as the root cause, rather than criminalizing the symptoms.
Healing begins by acknowledging trauma and taking proactive steps to address it, whether that’s through therapy, community support, or finding healthy outlets for emotions. For those dealing with addiction or mental health issues, the first step is to stop numbing the pain and begin confronting it. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
A Call to Action: Take Charge of Your Health
If any part of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. The journey to better health—both mental and physical—starts with recognizing the underlying issues and seeking help. Whether you’re dealing with generational trauma, addiction, or the daily stresses of life, there are steps you can take to improve your well-being.
Here are a few things you can do today:
Reach out for support: Seek therapy, counseling, or community groups that can help you process trauma.
Educate yourself: Understand how your environment affects your mental health. Knowledge is power.
Break the cycle: Focus on building healthy habits, nurturing positive relationships, and finding healing activities to address the generational transmission of trauma.
Our communities are in a state of emergency when it comes to mental health, but it’s never too late to turn things around. By taking action today, you can start your journey toward healing and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can break the cycles of trauma and addiction that have held us back for generations. Take that first step toward a healthier future, and encourage those around you to do the same.
