Many say that mental health is one of those taboo topics in the Black community. There is a real stigma when it comes to Black men talking about their mental health. People do not want to be labeled as “crazy.” This stigma and fear of being judged prevents Black/African American men from talking about or seeking treatment for mental illness. Having a mental illness does not mean you are crazy. However, even if men don’t want to talk about this touchy subject, we know mental health is a big issue in our community. The graphic below highlights the significance of the problem in our community. Over 16% (2014 data) of African Americans ( AA) had a diagnosable mental illness.
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/african-american-mental-health
Too The National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI), https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/African-American-Mental-Health, feels this pattern of mental health issues is more troubling for Black men due to the fact that the cause or the things that worsen mental illness are often found more commonly in Black males – sustained unemployment, homelessness, exposure to violence, chronic stress and micro-aggressions (nasty comments, gestures, stereotyping) leading to post traumatic stress disorder. Over the past few years the news has frequently featured Black men and women treated violently or gunned down. Certainly there can be psychologically damaging, seeing someone that looks like you killed without cause.
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. Of note there has been a spike in suicide in Black boys in recent years. In fact, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for African Americans aged 15-24. We could go on and share some more about this important issue in the Black community, but I think the link from The Breakfast Club’s morning radio show, provided by one of our writers, will be very helpful in providing a real live and life perspective on this issue among Black men. The station is Power 105.1 out of New York featuring DJ envy, Angela Yee, and Chalamagne tha God. Tell us what you think.
Here is the link to the program: https://youtu.be/Jdtvi1khnQk
In this segment from May 23, 2017, guests Rwenshaun Miller and Dr. Jasper do a great job breaking down the issue and providing some solutions. They are not role playing, these are real men tackling this real issue. They talk about mental illness frankly. They talk about why there is a stigma – “no one wants to be considered crazy.” They mention that men should be working with their brains and practicing and engaging in mental health activities. They mention seeking professional help, if possible finding a provider you trust that will be sensitive to your cultural standing. The young man mentions yoga, journaling and meditation as supportive measures.
Regarding seeking a mental health specialist, NAMI makes the suggestion below:
“When meeting with your provider, ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity. Do not feel bad about asking questions. Providers expect and welcome questions from their patients since this helps them better understand you and what is important to you.:”
Questions to ask:
- Have you treated other African Americans/Blacks?
- Have you received training in cultural competence or on African American mental health?
- How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment?
- How do you plan to integrate my beliefs and practices in my treatment?
NAMI also has a mental health helpline: 1-800-950-6264.
If someone is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
Another group that are reaching out to help Black men be comfortable is the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Brother You are on my Mind (BYOMM) Program in conjunction with the National Institute of Minority Health and Health disparities – www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml.
Also, two African American concerned citizens, created the hashtag, #yougoodman, in 2016 one day after Kid Cudi checked himself in for evaluation of depression and suicidal thoughts. The tag is for Black men to confess, ask for help, vent or get pointed in the right direction to a mental health provider. This is a place you can cry or cry out. Crying is not a sign of weakness, at times it can be freeing, to release yourself.
Brothers you are strong, but no one is immune to mental illness. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, be sure to seek help. You can start with your primary care provider and they can determine if you need to see a mental health specialist.
Symptoms that may suggest mental illness:
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Just for the Health of it!
CBHC Staff