Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being. It’s important to prioritize it just as we do with physical health.
Most of us can agree that good mental health care is vital to our well-being. As a matter of fact, I recently prioritized my emotional health care and started therapy. However, when it comes to Black mental health resources they are not the same. And spaces that are supposed to be safe spaces are actually not for Black women. Now more of us are speaking up about our personal experiences and creating our own circles of healing. One thing that continues to ring true though is that being a strong Black woman has been killing us softly
Why isn’t mental illness in the black community taken seriously?
Mental illness in the Black community is often not taken seriously due to several factors. Including systemic racism, cultural stigma, and lack of access to mental health resources.
Despite progress made over the years, racism continues to have an impact on Black mental wellness.
A few years ago our son was called a racial slur at therapy. His safe place. To say I was angry is more than an understatement. Because it was by one of his peers. That is a learned behavior. However, nothing was done about it because they were “just kids.” I felt powerless as a mother because I couldn’t do anything either. Whenever we speak about racial trauma and how it is affecting us, our experiences are often invalidated by our counterparts. Because if they themselves haven’t experienced it that means it can’t possibly be happening.
Racism can have a significant impact on mental health. Experiencing racism and discrimination can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, and can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Racism can also lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a sense of hopelessness. For Black Americans seeing videos of police brutality can be extremely triggering.
Systemic racism and discrimination have contributed to a historical lack of trust between communities of color and mental health professionals. Many African Americans have experienced racism and discrimination within the healthcare system. Leading to a distrust of healthcare providers and a reluctance to seek mental health support. This can result in mental health issues being dismissed or overlooked by medical professionals.
Why is mental health not spoken about in the black community
Black mental health requires us to heal individually and as a community
My mental health journey requires me to balance my strength and still remain vulnerable. We can’t do it by ourselves. In some Black communities, mental health issues may be seen as a personal weakness or a lack of faith. This can discourage people from seeking help. Additionally, mental health discussions are often seen as taboo or “private” in many Black families and communities, which can further discourage people from speaking openly about their struggles.
We need places where we can ask black-specific questions and where we aren’t met with vitriol. Where we can openly discuss issues such as postpartum depression and mental health conditions without feeling shame or guilt. Discussing any mental health issue is challenging because of how others might perceive us. But these connections can be such a great strength of support for us.
What are some Black mental health resources
We need spaces where we can find black providers. I’m talking about black mental health professionals, black therapists, black respite providers, and so much more. Representation is important. Receiving care from someone who looks like you and actually understands your struggles is important.
- Therapy for Black Girls: This online platform provides access to a directory of therapists who understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black women. They also offer weekly podcast episodes on various topics related to mental wellness in African American communities.
- The Loveland Foundation: This organization offers financial assistance for therapy sessions for Black women and girls who may not have access to or cannot afford therapy services.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: This network connects queer-identified people of color with inclusive therapists who share their identities and experience.
- Association of Black Psychologists: This organization has over 45 chapters across the United States providing education, research, training, and advocacy for professionals in psychology supporting African American community.
So whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other type of illness that affects your mental well-being. Please remember you are not alone! These community resources are here for you!
- Melanin & Mental Health: They provide an online directory connecting the mental health needs of black & Latinx communities with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving diverse communities including LGBTQ+ populations.
- Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness Provides low-cost group therapy sessions specifically focused on healing within the black community
- Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM): BEAM is a collective focused on removing barriers that prevent access to emotional/mental healthcare among marginalized communities including most importantly Black Communities
- Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA): is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of Black communities. The organization provides education and training to mental health professionals and community members on how to recognize and address mental health issues in Black communities. The BMHA also advocates for policies and practices that promote racial equity and social justice and works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community.
- The Okra Project: The Okra Project is a collective that is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the Black transgender community. The Okra Project’s primary goal is to provide free, healthy, and culturally-specific meals to Black trans people who are experiencing food insecurity. The organization partners with Black trans chefs to create and deliver meals that are nutritious and reflect the cultural traditions of the people they serve. The Okra Project also works to address social isolation and build community among Black trans people by organizing communal meals and other social events.
- Black Girls Smile Inc.: Black Girls Smile, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness among Black girls and women. Black Girls Smile works to address the unique mental health challenges faced by Black girls and women, including stigma surrounding mental health, lack of access to resources, and limited representation in the mental health field.
How can we reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community?
- creating resources (support groups, community support)
- having healthier conversations about Black Mental Health Awareness
- encouraging Black people to learn it is appropriate to ask for help.
- sharing and being more open about mental health challenges to normalize them for others in the community.
- Follow Black therapists on social media who are talking about a variety of mental health challenges impacting the Black community. And who also provide resources to support black mental health.
- Talk to trusted friends and family about their positive experiences in therapy.
After I had my children I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. My depression and anxiety still continue. I suffered in silence and nobody even knew. But I had to remember that taking care of your mental health is essential. Prioritizing one’s own needs and self-care is not considered selfish. The mental wellness of Black women matters. Finding support in your community can make all the difference in helping you feel better.
People learn a lot from sharing, someone of the greatest experiences in my life has been because of something someone else was kind enough to share. Thank you for sharing you life experience with us.
Not a mom…but I definitely felt this! Minorities in particular I feel are always gonna be the first ones to feel ostracized. There are so any instances in our individual lives where we need to be among people that relate to us beyond the generalized women’s groups, professional groups, mom’s groups, etc.
This. I’m a stay at home mom too, and it’s really hard to feel apart of the community. Finding people that you can relate too, regardless of what similarities you have is so important.
Building a community in general can be hard especially when your experiencing hard times. It’s always good to connect with women who not only relate but can share their stories and experience that can provide you with hope