Lately, there has been a push for mental health in the Black community. This is not a trend. It’s not even a fancy hashtag. It is actually as important as what you put into your body and how you nurture your spirit. Unfortunately, the Black community has every right to distrust Western medicine. There is a historical legacy of abuse and testing on Black and Native bodies that predates slavery. And continued as late as the 1970s in our prison systems and local clinics. But, mental health issues like depression, PTSD, addiction, schizophrenia and more exist, and they often go undiagnosed in the same communities that have been abused.
The question and dilemma is how do we seek therapies that will benefit us and actually help without being guinea pigs. First, I truly believe that the combination of western and eastern practices in our communities would be beneficial. Acupuncture along with traditional therapy can actually alleviate episodes of anxiety and stress related disorders. When you are shopping for a therapist, do not simply settle for anyone. Ask for recommendations and seek care from mental health providers who share your same background. Visit holistic spaces to get opinions and options that work for you. If you require medicine, research the side effects and ask questions so that you are always informed. And always keep track of dosages and journal how you feel during the first few months of use. So that you can share with your doctor.
Do not let fear, no matter how qualified, keep you from getting the help you need. Self harm and suicide rates in the Black community are often overlooked and not publicized. And all of us deserve to be here and be able to live a full unfettered life. Even something as small as speaking with someone outside of your friends and family, when a traumatic event occurs is never a bad idea.
What we will not do is continue the stigma by shaming those who get and need help. Or even worse, ridicule a hashtag or a movement to get more people the help they need. Because the very person standing right next to you may be screaming for help, but will never tell you because they know you will shame them. And before you know it, you will witness their downward spiral or even worse they will simply disappear without a word.
Therapy has been my saving grace on numerous occasions. And it has shown me how I can value my sanity and calm. That combined with meditation, prayer, and other Eastern practices provide me an outlet for my pain and anger. It allows me to be healthier for my family and to be a conduit for when my personal circle and child also need help. I can point them towards effective services. And more importantly support them.
So stop the shaming and start supporting. Or else...
Thank you for this timely post. Mental health is so important and you're right, just as valuable as what we put on and inside of our bodies. In light of recent celebrity outbursts/breakdowns and my own experience with it through family members, shaming is the single most harmful thing anyone can do for those seeking and in need of mental health. That's why I have and will continue to be very open about my own need to seek therapy. It has been liberating. Thank you again T, for shining a light on this.
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