KEYS TO PROTECTING BLACK MENTAL HEALTH

When it comes to mental health and its effects on the black community, it tends to get brushed off or overlooked. The mention of therapy and seeking help is often seen as a weakness or even something to be ashamed of. With years of systemic oppression, exclusion, and discrimination, people of color have been left to shoulder the burden of that trauma alone. With an ongoing fight for social, racial and economic justice, these efforts will remain incomplete until mental health disparities are addressed.

It shows up when applying for jobs and facing disproportionate pay. It shows up in sentencing disparities and it shows up in our national approach to maintaining mental health and fighting addiction. Most of the difficulties are directly reflective of the lack of access to appropriate and culturally responsive health care. Historical trauma also attribute to the case, with years of abuse, racism, classism and prejudice, the black community will likely under utilize the resources due to a lack of trust among health providers.

Removing the stigma associated with mental health can be the first step towards improving it in the black community. Helping people understand that mental health is apart of well-being like a healthy diet, sleep and exercise is essential. Improving the lack of information surrounding mental health issues and when someone may need help or where to find help is needed. Culture also plays a role. Health providers with physicians that understand and are responsive to things within the culture is crucial in improving mental health.

Recently there have been a growing number of people in the public eye who have come forward with their own issues with mental health, and have brought awareness to the situation. Using their platform to spread awareness to a number of resources or donating to non profit organizations focused on health services; and even creating a space or organization for it like Therapy for Black Girls or Therapy for Black Men. There are also a growing number of social media resource and multimedia platforms available including several podcasts for focuses on discussing these issues amongst each other.

Keeping the conversation going could be key to protecting our mental health.