Why Black History Month is so Important: A Spotlight on Black Mental Health and Wellness
As we celebrate Black History Month, let's take this opportunity to shed light on black mental health and wellness. Of course, this is not to say that Mental Health awareness should be restricted to only this month. Addressing the issue of mental health in the black community should be done all year round.
Why Black History Month is Important to Black Mental Health
Every February, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selects a different theme for Black History Month, focusing on the significance, social movements, and aspirations in the Black community. This year, the National 2023 Black History Month is themed "Black Resistance."
It recognizes how we African Americans have addressed historic and continuous positions of disadvantage and oppression that go beyond obvious instances of violence and permeate our everyday practices and experiences. Black Resistance introduces how African Americans labored collectively to strengthen their communities and despite an inequitable social system, we have found ways to survive, advance, and thrive!
So, how does this relate to mental health?
One thing that rarely gets talked about, is how the indirect trauma of these turbulent events has contributed to mental health issues in the black community. While anyone can develop a mental health problem, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), African Americans sometimes experience more severe mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers.
There's no doubt that people of all ethnicities and cultures experience mental health conditions and historically, the experiences of Blacks in America are characterized by more trauma and violence than their White counterparts. These experiences inflict psychological trauma, create unfavorable socioeconomic conditions that increase the risk of psychiatric disorders, and lead to negative feelings of self-worth.
The Psychological Scars of Racism
Race and racism play a significant role in black people's vulnerability to mental health distress including the reluctance to seek treatment. This race-based trauma leaves black people vulnerable to mental health conditions and needing treatment. When a 2014 Journal of Counseling & Development study examined the relationship between racial microaggressions and mental health, it reported that people who endure blatant and even subtle racial microaggressions, such as insults, invalidations, and interpersonal slights, are more likely to show symptoms of anxiety and depression. This demonstrates that racism can adversely affect mental health both directly and indirectly.
And although negative stereotypes and attitudes of rejection have been reduced, their damaging effects persist. Notwithstanding the progress over the years, racism continues to impact the mental health of Black and African American people. It is stressful, even traumatizing, to be constantly reminded and treated like a second-class citizen, lacking equal access to things and opportunities others have.
The Black community suffers from an increased rate of mental health concerns, but this struggle with Mental health is not something we openly talk about. Instead of being vulnerable, as a community, it is common to either suffer in silence or keep our mental health issues in our faith-based community.
Barriers To Black Mental Health Today
Let's consider these statistics as presented by Mental Health America
13.4 percent of the U.S. population, which translates to nearly 46 million people, identify as Black or African American.
6.8 million of this population reportedly live with mental illness.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services analyzing mental health issues by race also records that only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care actually receive it.
These show that seeking help is not common in the Black community. Because of many factors, black people are more likely to endure chronic and persistent mental health conditions. These barriers account for the disparity, making it harder for Black people to access mental health care.
The stigma surrounding mental health concerns
You've most likely heard someone with the notion that "Black people don't go to therapy." You might have even uttered it yourself. Although people in the black community have varied beliefs and attitudes, studies prove that many black adults view mental health conditions as a fallout of personal weakness. The mentality is that life is tough enough being Black in America, and there's no time to stop and complain. Black people have been dehumanized for a long time, so it's not unfounded to avoid adding another stereotype to the list.
In addressing this stigma, we must understand where it comes from and why it is ingrained in our culture. The root of mental health stigma among Black people can be traced back to slavery. The reason, among others, is rooted in the history of systematic racism and oppression of African-Americans. For a long time, black people subjected to slavery were considered immune to mental illness or pain. Unfortunately, that scenario persists today, with African Americans not seeking mental health care despite facing a heightened risk of mental health issues. Many people don't have time to be sad or depressed because they have a lot of things on their plate, and mental health doesn't top the priorities list. Some black people may even expend a lot of energy using other coping strategies to deal with the years of prolonged psychosocial stress.
On the bright side, there's a higher rate of people in the younger generation seeking mental health help. This brings me hope that generations to come will be more likely to break this harmful cycle.
Systemic disparities in healthcare
Another major contributor to this disparity is systemic factors like unequal access of African Americans to healthcare facilities. Racial and ethnic minorities receive lower-quality health care than white people even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are similar. Let's not forget how historical and contemporary instances of adverse therapy have enhanced a distrust in authorities. This distrust is deeply tied to white supremacy and the notion that how does one navigate issues like racial trauma while seeking therapeutic services from a system which is perpetuating the trauma in the first place?
Besides, not only is there a lack of access to help, but there is an underrepresentation of Black mental health professionals in mental health care. As a black female therapist, I understand how this can make it difficult to find a professional with whom you can feel comfortable sharing any race-related trauma.
Improving cultural awareness and celebrating black history
Now more than ever, Black History Month remains relevant because it is a time for black people as a community to learn and reflect upon our history. Black History Month is a time to celebrate diversity, communicating the idea that diversity is beautiful! Among ways to celebrate black history month is unlearning the harmful conceptions that often keep us out of the therapy room. If you’re wondering how to celebrate black history month, consider activities focused on Black Health and Wellness, recovery, restoration, and promoting healthy habits. From meditation sessions and self-care initiatives to discussions around mental health. Take advantage of mental health resources for Black And African American communities to get the help you deserve.
Self-care as an act of resistance
When it comes to your mental health, Self-care is not just an expression of self-love but a form of resistance. For minorities who often face a disproportionate disadvantage in society, self-care can be a tool to counter the effects of systemic racism and trauma. Self-care can take on different forms
Moving your body
Seeking the best treatment options for you
Connecting with family and friends
Reflecting and meditating
Taking part in Black art, movies, music, etc
A culturally sensitive healthcare professional
The frustration of finding a healthcare professional that can identify with our cultural sensitivity and cultural stressors can make the idea of seeking mental health care unattractive. To be clear, a shared identity does not necessarily guarantee the best therapeutic relationship. A therapist must be culturally competent and has the willingness to understand your unique story. This includes not judging or disregarding a patient's belief and religious background but encouraging them to do what works best for them and empathizing at all times. If you've decided to seek help, It is important to seek a mental healthcare professional that is mindful of and affirms your cultural background.
Black people's mental health struggle does not have to remain invisible. While the idea of vulnerability might discourage us from mental health care, we can't effectively help others if wellness is not a priority in our lives. Without good mental well-being, we can't be truly present for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Good well-being is crucial for our continued resistance and resilience. Together, we can destigmatize mental health challenges. This starts with empowering ourselves and others in our community to get the help they deserve.
To learn more about ways to take care of your mental health, contact Camille at camille@diversifiedtherapyla.com
