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How opening this conversation in the Black community can help us
What contributes to the mental health crisis in our community?
When the Black community sees our people being attacked and murdered by the police or even by fellow citizens, it can be triggering for us to think about. There is a terrifying question of whether our great and privileged first-world country values our lives. We don’t deserve this treatment. Black people deserve to exist. We deserve to thrive. We are here. Acknowledge us.
These are common and obvious responses the Black community rightfully expresses. We are sad, we are angry. These are heavy emotions we need to express, and they can take a toll on our overall well-being.
These traumatizing issues strongly affect us mentally.
Community Barriers
Even with these traumatizing issues, there is still a stigma about caring for mental health disorders in our community. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says there is a lack of understanding on mental health conditions in the African-American community. So there’s a silence and, therefore, a stigma. Some may think depression has an easy fix; just “snap out of it.” People with these mental health conditions can be “othered” and treated unfairly. They do not deserve that neglectful treatment.
The mental health crisis is a class issue too. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Mental Health study says poverty level is a factor. African-Americans who live below the poverty level have twice as much of a chance of mental distress as those over twice the poverty level. There is a lack of access to resources and education, which is clearly a negative impact on those who struggle.
The healthcare issue is a whole other story. African-Americans have experienced discrimination in the healthcare industry. It often leads to denial of conditions based on symptoms reported. This in itself can lead to inadequate or lack of treatment. NAMI cites the example of health care professionals overlooking symptoms of depression when members of the Black community report their experience.
NAMI also brings up religion and spirituality in the African-American community. People have been told to pray it away. Prayer is a source of strength for many. It can also be powerful when coupled with the support of professional mental health care. When the two come together, the person can be supported and mentally healthy.
Making Space for Improvement
A nationwide conversation about antiracism is evolving. This gives me hope, because everyone has a lot of work to do and a lot to unlearn. The effort is surfacing! People are actually trying to uplift Black voices and work toward being antiracist. This effort is making room for the Black community’s concerns, perspectives and voices to be heard. People who can support the antiracism efforts are now, more than before, reading works from Black authors. They are listening to their friends in the Black community.
Where does this take us? It points to starting a conversation about mental health care access to our community. We must examine how to improve this access. So, how do we further the conversation to take action? It is paramount to give the Black community resources to support mental health and the ability to live healthy, purposeful lives.
Our Feelings Are Valid. Listen to Us!
Be a source of support to your friends in the Black community. Especially now, the Black community needs support for its mental health distress. Extend a hand or an ear to your Black friends. Check in on your Black friends.
Now is the time to open up the conversation about caring for our mental health.
