"From Crisis to Calling: How My Son's Psychosis Led to My Purpose"
In a powerful and inspiring interview, Samantha Grant, the founder of "Find A Balance CIC," opens up about the personal ordeal that leads her to establish a community interest company aimed at supporting black families in London, particularly those with young members suffering from mental health issues.
Samantha’s journey begins with a traumatic event involving her son.
One day, while out with friends, she receives a frantic call from her daughter. Her son is hanging out of a window, threatening to kill himself and his siblings. Rushing home, Samantha finds her daughter and her son's twin brother in a state of shock. Fortunately, she manages to calm her son, who is hearing voices urging him to kill the family.
"Mum, this is terrible, I am hearing voices," her son confides. "The devil and Jesus are here, and they are telling me to kill you and the whole family." Scanning the room, Samantha finds cannabis on the table. Her then 19-year-old son admits to smoking it. Despite the terror of the situation, Samantha chooses not to call the police or ambulance, instead attempting to handle the situation herself.
The following days are horrifying…
Her son continues hearing voices, talking to walls, and threatening the family. Seeking help from her religious family, they call a pastor to exorcise the "demons," but this proves ineffective. Eventually, Samantha decides to involve the NHS, and her son is sectioned. He voluntarily agrees to seek professional help.
For the first time in days, Samantha and her other children can sleep peacefully, knowing her son is safe. However, the stigma within the black community labels her son as "mad" or "possessed," causing others to distance themselves from the family.
Doctors conclude that her son suffers from drug-induced psychosis caused by cannabis. Samantha immerses herself in research and discovers that such cases are not uncommon. When her son is discharged with medications to balance his brain chemicals, the true healing process begins. With unwavering support from his family, a healthy diet, physical activities, and fresh air, her son gradually recovers.
Founding "Find A Balance CIC"
Despite her son’s progress, Samantha is devastated by the lack of support they receive. She has to challenge the NHS's stereotypes and witnesses the inadequate care for other black youths without parental support. This experience ignites her purpose: to create an organization dedicated to the mental health of young black people and their families.
Samantha quits her job at the Job Centre, leverages her network, and launches "Find A Balance CIC." She notes that only 6% of black young people seek help for mental health issues, half the rate of their white counterparts. Samantha's mission is to encourage and support these young people and their families.
When asked what advice she would give parents…
…to prevent serious mental health outcomes..Samantha emphasizes early intervention and genuine involvement in their children’s lives. "Loving your children means checking their phones and not just leaving them to their own devices," she states. "It’s not just about clothing and feeding them; it’s about spending time and paying attention to their behaviors and changes."
She recalls noticing small changes in her son but brushing them off because he was doing well in university and working. He seemed like he was thriving. "But I did notice a glare in his eyes; it was like he was not there," Samantha remembers. "One time he even asked me when I spoke to him, 'Are you really talking to me or is this in my head?' I thought he was making a joke." His cannabis use was motivated by a devastating breakup with his first girlfriend. Unable to cope with his feelings and not wanting to reach out for help, fearing ridicule from his peers, he turned to weed.
In discussing how the black community can improve mental health,
Samantha stresses the need to eliminate stigma. "People with mental health issues are not mad or crazy; they need support. If you broke your arm, you would go to the doctor and get help. We should treat mental health the same way."
"Find A Balance CIC" adopts an individual approach for each client. Unlike the NHS's reliance on medication, Samantha advocates for a holistic approach. While medication is necessary in some cases, it is not the only solution. A balanced diet, physical activity, quality time with loved ones, counseling or therapy, and skill development are also crucial.
Samantha highlights that it's not just the young person who needs help but also their families. Many parents in the black community are unaware of mental health issues and need education and support to understand and assist their children.
Want to connect with Samantha? Believe that you or someone you know would benefit from her advice or the services?
Samantha Grant’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support. Through "Find A Balance CIC," she is making a significant impact on the mental health of young black people and their families in London, fostering a culture of understanding, support, and holistic healing. Want to connect with Samantha? Believe that you or someone you know would benefit from her advice or the services offered by "Find A Balance CIC"?
Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn
and learn more about the services she provides through the “Fnd a Balance” Webiste.