Why Black Men Don’t Open Up: Mental Health Stigma In The Black Community
By Hanna Blankenship
In honor of Black History Month, it is vital to recognize and address the unique mental health struggles Black men face. Black men are often depicted as strong and resilient. However, this stereotype can make it difficult for them to seek help when struggling with mental health issues.
One reason Black men may not "open up" about their mental health struggles is the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Historically, mental illness has been viewed as a sign of weakness or lack of faith in the Black community. This stigma has made many Black men feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for their mental health issues.
Another reason Black men may be reluctant to seek help for their mental health is the discrimination and racism they experience in the healthcare system. Furthermore, Black men may also be hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being misunderstood or not being taken seriously by healthcare providers. Research has shown that Black men often receive lower quality mental health care than their white counterparts. This can lead to mistrust in the healthcare system and discourage Black men from seeking help when they cannot find practitioners of color. In addition to stigma and mistrust, Black men may face other barriers to seeking mental health care, such as lack of access to mental health services in their community, cost, and lack of time due to work and family responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, Black men need to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. There are several ways to support Black men and Black mental health:
Educate yourself: Learn about the unique mental health challenges Black men face and how racism and discrimination can impact mental health.
Provide a safe and supportive space: Offer a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where Black men can feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
Encourage seeking help: Encourage Black men to seek help for their mental health needs and provide them with resources and support.
Listen and validate: When Black men open up about their mental health, listen to what they have to say and validate their feelings.
Practice self-care: Encourage Black men to practice self-care and prioritize their mental health by engaging in activities that promote well-being and stress management.
In order to start a conversation with young BIPOC boys about mental health issues, we must create a safe and supportive environment in which they feel comfortable talking about their feelings and concerns. Here are some tips for starting this conversation: Here are some tips for starting conversations with young BIPOC boys about mental health issues:
Begin by asking open-ended questions: Rather than asking yes/no questions, try asking deeper questions to encourage the young person to share more about their thoughts and feelings.
Use age-appropriate and easy-to-understand language: Avoid jargon or complex language, and take the time to explain concepts if necessary.
Encourage open communication: Let the young person know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and that you are there to listen and support them.
Offer resources and support: If the young person needs additional support, provide them with resources such as hotlines or counseling services.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people. It’s also a time to examine the challenges faced by Black men, including the unique mental health struggles they experience. We can all support black men's mental health by acknowledging the stigma in the Black community, providing access to mental health resources, and starting a conversation with young Black boys about mental health.
LEARN MORE:
American Psychological Association - Black men’s mental health matters
USC School of Social Work - Why Mental Health Care is Stigmatized in Black Communities
CNN Health - 4 ways to support Black mental health amid images of racial violence
Psych Central - How Adults Can Help Improve the Mental Health of Black Youth