The experience of black Americans is rooted in the struggle to overcome prejudice, discrimination, and, perhaps less talked about, a reluctance to express emotional vulnerability.
Although each Black person’s story is different, there are common factors that make these experiences similar, such as systemic racism, historical trauma, and cultural identity, leading to psychological scars that often go unaddressed. Masu.
Many African Americans have been conditioned to believe that if they work hard enough, they can overcome difficulties.
“Under the guise of ‘grind culture,’ depression, anxiety, and burnout are skyrocketing in Black communities,” says Anim Aweh, a licensed trauma-informed mental health therapist and co-founder of Aweh Support Services. he told Atlanta Black Star.
“The pressure to always do your best and the belief that asking for help betrays strength and independence creates a vicious cycle of isolation and unhealthy coping mechanisms.Capitalist structures deny Black people their humanity while denying Black bodies. are exploited as labor force.”
Perhaps now more than ever, important research is being conducted by nonprofit organizations and academic institutions, revealing some of the effects that witnessing traumatic events has on African Americans in ways never before thought possible. It has become.
For example, Penn Medicine News recently published a research study that showed that black adults had a statistically significant decrease in sleep time after being exposed to news of an unarmed black person being killed by police.
As cited in the study, “This finding is specific to exposure to the deaths of unarmed Black people during interactions with law enforcement, and white respondents have a negative impact on sleep health.” No adverse effects were found.”
Dr. Ryan C. Warner, an award-winning consulting psychologist and world-renowned speaker, is an expert on the lives of George Floyd and, tragically, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Eric. – Explained that the murders of Garner and many others were not just tragic events. It had a huge impact on the collective psyche of the black community.
These events exposed harsh truths about police violence and systemic oppression. Continued exposure to such trauma is amplified through social media and the news cycle, a constant reminder of the fragility of Black lives. This ongoing trauma not only creates a sense of fear and anger, but also a relentless search for justice and systemic change, further impacting the mental health of individuals within the community.
There are also disparities in access to health care and other structural challenges that limit quality of care and access to treatment, particularly when it comes to mental health. One study found that only one in three black adults who need mental health care actually receive it. This disparity in medical care has a negative impact on the mental health of Black people.
Amid these challenges, digital platforms and resources have been established to provide accessible and comprehensive support to Black people navigating psychological distress and other mental health issues.
Awe recommends the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a leading destination for mental wellness, providing Black mental health support, career services support, health education, and empowerment.
“There are tons of free resources available to everyone to help you learn more about mental health and connect with others who may be struggling,” she said.
This month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention launched LETS Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities. This free educational program is “Created by Black people, for Black people, to reduce cultural bias, advance conversations about mental health, and help prevent suicide for individuals who identify as Black or African American.” The aim is to raise awareness of the
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, founded by actress Taraji P. Henson, works to raise awareness of mental health in the black community and reduce stigma around the issue.
Black Therapists Rock organizes Black mental health professionals to reduce stigma and barriers to psychological and social well-being in marginalized communities.
The internet is often a negative and stimulating place, but it can also be a rich place to seek support. Several Black mental health professionals are sharing their expertise on YouTube and other social media platforms. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or want to better understand your experience, it’s important to seek support, especially as a Black person living in America.
