Dr. Larry J. Walker examines why it is crucial that we have a discussion about mental health illness within the black community.
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Historically the Black community endured the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Jim Crow and de facto segregation. In spite of the obstacles, President Obama’s election in 2008 represented a ray of hope for millions during difficult economic times. Unfortunately, eight years later education, health, and social gaps continue to persist. Although Americans from various backgrounds face tough times, solving issues that maintain gaps between the haves and have not’s is important. Communities with limited resources and support cannot thrive because of historical barriers that limit opportunities. The pressure from fighting against the tide can be taxing for members of the Black community. In classrooms, offices and public spaces the strain contributes to anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health problems. Opening a dialogue within the Black community to discuss mental illness is critical. Black women and men are less likely than other groups to seek treatment while Black children face an uncertain future because the public doesn’t recognize their innocence.
It is important to remember that mental illness is not an issue unique to the Black community. Nationally each year more than 60 million Americans struggle with mental illness but live normal lives. Despite stereotypes teachers, firefighters, religious and political leaders excel while receiving support from family, friends, and counselors. However, within the Black community individuals that admit to having a mental illness, talking to a counselor and/or considering treatment are likely to receive a “blank stare.” Recently I had a conversation with a friend who suggested people looked at him differently because he admitted to talking to mental health professional. While the response may seem odd it is important to remember that some members of the Black community don’t trust healthcare, mental health professionals because of the nation’s history of discrimination.
Increasing awareness and treatment within the Black community will require an “all hands on deck” approach. Parents, siblings, cousins, friends and members of the extended family have to work collectively. Since the first slave ship arrived on the shores of this country the Black family has played a vital role. Adopting a community-centered focus should include safe spaces for Black women and men to discuss mental health concerns. Considering the impact race-based trauma has on the Black community creating safe spaces is important. Race-based trauma is a response to discrimination at work, school, social events, etc. The steady stream of news via social media discussing disturbing videos contributes to psychological distress. Personally, I had to recognize that the shooting of Tamir Rice among others raised my anxiety level. Concern for my son’s safety and well-being are part of my daily, weekly, monthly experiences.
Preventing community, family or race based traumas from contributing to mental illness is important. Without long-term support, people with anxiety disorders, dissociation and schizophrenia could end up like a ship adrift in an endless sea. For this reason, we have to develop and implement common sense approaches within the Black community that treat people with mental illness fairly. Advocates, mental health professionals and parents should consider the following solutions to improve treatment rates and misconceptions:
1. Social Media and Popular Culture– Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms offer opportunities to reach individuals hesitant to seek treatment. Family members, friends concerned about a sudden or gradual shift in behavior have the opportunity to connect with mental health professionals. For counselors, connecting via Hip Hop with teenagers and young adults is another option. According to Dr. Ahmad Washington, Assistant Professor, The University of Louisville, “because hip-hop is, at its essence, a composite set of values, beliefs, and attitudes, I contend that for many clients, hip-hop could represent a creative and culturally affirming way to articulate their therapeutic concerns and needs. In my estimation, this approach epitomizes a culturally responsive counseling intervention, which is what counseling practitioners, irrespective of subspecialty, are expected to deliver.” Dr. Washington’s point is important considering the link between treatment and trust for clients. Reaching groups less likely to seek help require non-traditional approaches to combat mental illness.
2. Providing Food for the Soul- Spirituality plays an important role in the Black community. Working with faith-based organizations (FBOs) including churches, mosques, etc. is critical to building social capital among the Black community. Neglecting to work with FBOs could hurt efforts to reach at-risk populations.
3. Changing the Narrative– Targeting the Black community through public service announcements (PSAs) could counter negative mental health stereotypes. Personal stories from individuals living with mental illness would challenge the belief that they are “crazy” or “out of control.” Taboo subjects including mental illness are rarely discussed in private or public. PSAs are a reliable option to reach the Black community.
Millions of Americans are living with a mental illness and continuing to succeed. However, because of historical, cultural factors members of the Black community rarely seek support from mental health professionals. I encourage readers to share this article and use #IstandwithU via Twitter (@LarryJWalker2) to connect with a community of concerned citizens. Together we can raise awareness and treatment rates within the Black community.
Photo: Flickr/StevenDepolo