A.Sangare Breaking mental heath stigema in the black community (1)
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English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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Sangare 1
Prince George’s Community College
Adama Sangare
English 1010
September 6, 2023
Breaking Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
Do you ever wonder why people would suffer in pain, then seek help. Mental health has been an
excruciating topic in the black community. So many black people have this secretive way of
hiding our emotion that can deeply affect them that makes it so hard to acknowledge the pain
they go through. Black people are the only people that will rather be racked with pain than
asking for help that will make them face their past traumas. Our existence with a complex
relationship with mental health is deeply rooted in the historical, cultural, and systemic factors
aspect.
According to gale academic onefile “Historical adversity, including
slavery
and
race
-
based exclusion from
health
, educational, social and economic resources, translates into
socioeconomic disparities experienced by
African Americans
. Since socioeconomic status is
directly related to mental health, those who are poor, incarcerated, homeless or struggle with
addiction are at higher risk for mental health issues”.
Historical trauma and its effect on black
community that had a huge mark on the black people in the U.S.A way back during slavery,
segregation, discrimination, and racial violence. indelible mark on the collective psyche of Black
individuals and communities. Within the progress that has existed, made in civil rights and social
justice, the outcome of these trauma experiences have continually affected mental health till this
day. Black people in the U.S.A of the ages of 13 to 65 are most likely to be a victim of serious
violent crime, abuse. That has increased the likelihood of meeting the diagnosis of post-traumatic
stress disorder. African American adults are also more likely to be exposed to the feeling of
sadness, hopelessness, and self worthlessness than non white adults. Black teens are also are
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more likely to commit suicide than white teens. Another significant outlook of the historical and
the intergenerational transmission of stress and trauma which was brought to my attention is that
the black individual and community have been left with emotional and psychological scars from
their ancestors, that lead to be heightened of vulnerability to mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety, and post trauma stress disorder. In Addition, the constant threat of racial
discrimination and microaggressions further exacerbates stress levels in the Black community,
increasing the risk of mental health challenges. Cultural Factors and Stigma Cultural factors play
an important role in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the Black community. There is
often a prevailing belief in the importance of strength, resilience, and self-reliance. While these
Values can be empowering, they can also create a barrier to seeking help for mental health issues.
Many individuals may feel pressure to suppress their emotions, fearing that seeking professional
help signifies weakness or vulnerability. Furthermore, religious and spiritual beliefs are deeply
ingrained in the Black community, providing solace and support during times of distress.
However, there can be a tendency to rely solely on faith-based solutions, sometimes neglecting
the importance of professional mental health care. It is essential to strike a balance between
cultural values and accessing appropriate mental health resources. Systemic Disparities. The
Black community also faces significant disparities in accessing quality mental health care.
Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of insurance, can limit access to mental health
services. Moreover, there is a shortage of culturally competent mental health professionals who
understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black individuals.
Institutional racism within the healthcare system can also contribute to disparities in mental
health care. Black individuals are more likely to receive misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment, or
overmedication, leading to mistrust and skepticism toward the medical establishment.
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These systemic barriers further deter Black individuals from seeking the help they need.
Breaking the Silence and Promoting Mental Wellness Addressing mental health challenges in the
Black community requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the historical, cultural,
and systemic factors at play. Mental health issues continue to threaten the black community, so
we must start the conversation of how to combat it. Discussing our insecurities, traumas and
innermost feelings can be extremely difficult, but removing the stigma around mental illness is
vital in ensuring that our brothers and sisters receive the help they need. In Conclusion, Mental
health in the Black community is a complex and multifaceted issue that cannot be addressed with
a one-size-fits-all approach. To break the silence and promote mental wellness, it is essential to
recognize and address the historical trauma, cultural values, and systemic disparities that
influence mental health experiences in the Black community. By fostering education, cultural
competence, and community support, we can work towards a future where mental health is a
priority for all, regardless of race or ethnicity.
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