The Ari | af | ya Universe is the premier online mental health and wellness resource support group for diverse women. The word Ariafya is the Americanization of 2 KiSwahili words combined to mean: Zeal, Enthusiasm, Eagerness, Initiative, Spirit, Keenness, Inventiveness, Health, Well-Being, Strength, Vigor, and Power!
I created this safe-free-zone for women who suffer or recovery from mental angst or are caregivers to those who suffer from mental illness. In diverse communities, more often than not, most who suffer from mental illness are alienated until there is crisis. By the time crisis has occurred law enforcement is involved, or worse. And suppressed untreated mental illness often leads to chronic diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, etc.
It is imperative, that diverse cultures attempt to stave off and seek recovery from key mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar, anxieties and PTSD. I don't say schizophrenia, while a hard disease, people who suffer are unable to care for themselves completely without treatment, so they are already involved in some form of treatment. I am NOT saying the treatment is stellar, but the bulk of the one's I listed are untreated and observed at a higher rates in diverse communities. The other mental illnesses, such as borderline personality disorder, DID, et al. will be discussed on the private side of the Ariafya Universe. Moreover, substance abuse will be discussed also.
So The Ariafya Universe essentially a social network. Since some of the participants are diagnosed with a mental illness, they have been burned by the current array of mental health public message boards out there. Moreover, there is no assurance of cultural competency, so when explaining difficulties in mental illness and say being a woman of color, the participants often are further demeaned by ignorant comments, some by licensed professionals-further stigmatizing an individual from their communties. So, everyone who is admitted to the "Isle"--an online sanctuary--has to be screened for liability of NOT being in crisis. Because The Ariafya Universe assumes all participants are working with a licensed mental health care provider.
Then for the security, confidentiality and privacy, there is an annual fee charged.
The fee structure is explained on the website: Sistah Mental Health
At this time, gentlemen are asked to fill out a survey as to their preferences for The Ariafya Universe. Due to the notable differences between men and women in mental health treatment options, there are some unique developments we must engage in before creating a space for them.
of Dr. Gina Moore the consummate professional
