“People of color, particularly African American, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.”
-Bebe Moore Campbell
Take a moment to digest that poignant quote. “Yet another deficit.”
Let’s face it, today’s social/political/cultural/racial climate is contentious. At every turn of the page there is a differing opinion, a charged belief rooted in social and cultural barriers, and defiant opposition to what should be considered the cultural “norm.”
But the state of mental health in black and POC* communities shouldn’t be, yet it is, and continues to be, shrouded in stigma and adversity.
Through the surge of the mental health movement, we continue to try to placate fears, instead of understanding the distinct and complex social dynamics that are at play in these communities.
Only one in three African Americans who struggle with mental health issues over the course of their lives will ever receive appropriate treatment, but are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than Caucasian adults.
But Why?!
Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. As the deep work continues to shatter systemic racism, it is well worth acknowledging that for centuries, black individuals have been ostracized and marginalized in the medical community, as well as exploited in the face of “medical advancement.”
A brief google search turns up endless stories of those who have been marred emotionally and physically by the medical community, leaving them to feel unbelieved, alone, and shamed for illnesses, because they are not physically manifested on the body.
This was also seen historically in strong black leaders who experienced great highs, but also great lows. Martin Luther King Jr. battled depression through his important work as a civil rights leader, but even struggled with this as a young child, with historians citing that he attempted suicide twice before the age of 13. His depression intensified the more integral he became in the civil rights movement, but he kept those struggles to himself out of fear that the opposition would use this against him.
In the classically focused strength of black individuals, we have forgotten how soft they can be.
When there is such distrust among our black and POC communities, how can we effectively reach them, to ensure that there is not only equitable access and resources available, but providers and professionals who can be viewed as reliable sources of support?
First, you have to be both trauma-informed, but also aware of the taboo belief systems that have generationally carried these communities to where they are today. Prayer and faith are a central stronghold in black communities, with 87 percent of African Americans reporting a formal religious affiliation. It is a common belief that prayer and strong faith can be a “one-size fits all” approach to mental health illnesses; deterring those from either reaching out or following through with the help of professionals.
Mental health and wellbeing is not a “choose this, not that” type of approach when it comes to seeking help or remaining close in your religious or spiritual affiliations. It IS about converging the two ideas (among other ideals in black and POC belief systems), and creating a new framework that demonstrates positive outcomes devoid of implicit bias.
Celebrities like Michelle Obama, Kerry Washington, and Jay-Z have been open about their mental health struggles as well as the benefits of seeking help, but restorative measures happen locally, in our own homes, with our own familial role models.
Remember, mental health IS health, and just like getting your annual physical, your mental health is a necessary part of your overall wellbeing.
The mental health community continues to create safe, neutral spaces where you can explore and heal from the emotional labor that you have endured generationally, for centuries. Mental struggles do not discriminate based on the color of your skin. Don’t allow yourself to suffer through this journey alone. You owe it to yourself to follow through, because you do deserve support and you will be respected for wherever you are in this journey.
We hear you. We are listening.