There are a lot of stereotypes that exist about mental health. The stigma is most often pointed at some sort of character defect or flaw when the reality is that any one of us, at any point, could experience a debilitating mental health condition. A combination of life stressors, poor coping behaviors and genetic predisposition are all contributing factors to developing a mental health condition. These are all things that the Black community needs to know about mental health.
Mental Health Conditions are No Moral Failing or Personal Weakness
The challenges of being Black in America, and abroad frankly, are vast. There is an expectation for many us that since we (arguably) do not live in overtly racist times such as antebellum South, that we have no excuses to be better, achieve more and always demonstrate strength and mental fortitude. While times certainly have changed, most of us know that there are still plenty of problems in the world today that negatively impact Black Americans’ mental health.
We see videos and hear stories everyday of Black folks being held up by police, questioned, accosted or even killed. We see news stories of queer and transgender Black folks dying with terrifying regularity. We hear microaggressions about Black folks, our abilities and where we belong.
How do we cope with this?
Strength can only carry us so far. We simply can not continually will ourselves into mental health while living the social and physical implications of Blackness. Living in constant vigilance, or fear, is abnormal. It is an adaptive strategy that many Black Americans have developed in order to move throughout our lives. It’s not healthy however and it can take its toll.
When you find yourself struggling, overcome with fear, anxiety or depression and whether you are worthy or valuable enough to warrant peace and safety or even love, please remember it’s not a personal failing. Being overwhelmed with these emotions is not a moral failing. Sometimes our systems and our spirits need more support and that’s where counseling or therapy can be an incredible healing space to help us work through our pain.
Strength can only carry us so far. We simply can not continually will ourselves into mental health while living the social and physical implications of Blackness.
Mental Health is Health
In mainstream American culture, we place a lot of emphasis on vanity, and subsequently mental health. But, there is no true health without mental health. The same way that we try to take care our bodies and what we put on them or in them, we must also be wary of what we allow to enter our minds and psyches on a day-to-day basis.
How many times do you find yourself feeling low or sad after engaging on social media or watching the news? If it’s often you may want to be more conscious of how much time you’re devoting to those outlets.
Embracing wellness and taking care of your mental health is an everyday task just like brushing your teeth or showering. When you don’t do those things regularly you start to feel down. It’s the same with mental and emotional health. Take some time daily to check in with your emotional self just as you do with your physical self. When you’re sitting in your chair working, what do you do when you notice an ache or a pain? Hopefully you stretch it out and change positions. This is exactly what we should be doing for our mental health too.
Everyone Needs Support
Even the most well-adjusted, high functioning folks need support from time to time. Everyone requires support to meet their goals and to live the life that they want to have. Reaching out to others for support is not a weakness, but an act of incredible wisdom, emotional maturity and insight.
Black Americans didn’t survive slavery in isolation. They embraced their immediate collective to build each other up to withstand unforgivably traumatic circumstances. Due to the brutality of Black history in the Americas, not every ancestor made it. But for those who did, they ultimately survived by embracing a sense of communal support to help carry them through. While times are much different now, we have a lot to learn from those who came before us. Whether we have one friend or one hundred who can look after us and have our backs, that sense of support is essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, depression or anything else you don’t have to suffer alone. Build a network around you that will help carry you through.
Reaching out to others for support is not a weakness, but an act of incredible wisdom, emotional maturity and insight.
A network of support will likely look different for every individual. You may want to rely on a romantic partner, parent and pastor while someone else may rely on the support of their friends, doctor and therapist for relief. There is no one right way to go about it. Find what feels doable for you and if you find yourself stuck, consult with a professional who can help you sort through the gunk and find what will work best for you.
You deserve it.
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Author: Jor-El
Jor-El is Co-founder of Viva Wellness and a foodie and film buff. He most often writes about mental health, relationships, food and mindfulness. When he’s not busy working, he typically can be found lounging or walking around NYC with his pup Nomi.
