“Mental illness is considered taboo in the African American community. Many of us try to mask our illness or pray it away, which in turn perpetuates stigma. Let's eradicate stigma. Asking for help is not a character flaw."
- Valerie, Mental Health America
DAY SEVENTEEN
Black Mental Health Matters
Unfortunately, the uncertainty about how to process the violence inflicted upon Black people is a repetitive process. One in which our mental health is very much at risk. To that end, we want to make an appeal to all those committed to racial equity to also commit to healing.
READ
Racial Battle Fatigue (RBF) was coined in 2008 by Critical Race Theorist William Smith. It was initially used about African American men's experiences in America but is now expanded to describe negative and racially charged experiences of all people of color in the U.S.
 
This article from Counseling Today explores how racial violence and discrimination are woven into the fabric of the U.S. The way policies and laws are implemented. The weaponization of whiteness and privilege. Disparities in education and health care. The horrible and senseless killings of Black people throughout our nation’s history and into the present day. It also looks at both systemic and institutional racism and how the two are different.
LISTEN
Black Mental Health Podcast (30-60 minute episodes)
The Black Mental Health podcast is dedicated to understanding and unraveling the mental issues in the African American community. It showcases real-life stories to bridge the gap between people who feel alone in their struggles. With the stigma of therapy being a 'white people thing' coupled with the cost of therapy, black people are left to deal with mental health issues on their own The black mental health podcast is here not as a replacement to therapy but as an alternative. Therapy is necessary, but sometimes hearing someone else's story is therapeutic enough. Its topics range from stress, suicide, anxiety, depression, and a host of other topics. The podcast is spearheaded by Reginald A. Howard who has had, and is still having, his own battle with mental health.
 
Our recommended selection for today from UWPC's "Soundtrack 4 Justice" playlist
"Strength, Courage & Wisdom" by India.Arie (4:58).
WATCH
KING 5 examines the physical and mental toll of racism. People of color have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and asthma than white people, and the Center for American Progress blames systemic racism and lack of access to quality care. With regard to mental health, people of color may face race-based traumatic stress, which is a mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias, ethnic discrimination, racism and hate crimes, according to Mental Health America. Dr. Neeru Bakshi, a Bellevue psychiatrist, also explains the impact that absorbing racist information can have on your brain, no matter your skin color.
 
What is “Black Mental Health” and why does it “Matter”? Hear Phillip’s journey of trauma, resilience, and advocacy as he gives an impassioned talk discussing the impact of trauma on black identity, and black wellness, and why America’s current conversation on mental health is inadequate. A TEDx Wilmington talk by Phillip J. Roundtree, MSW, MS, Founder of Quadefy LLC.
 
To say this is an exponentially tough time for Black people in America would be an understatement - and that is why protecting the mental health of this community is vital.
NOTICE
CONNECT
Who's in your feed?
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) - BEAM | Twitter |Facebook
PUT IT TO USE
Engage - Check in with your Black friends and coworkers. Even if they seem okay, chances are they probably aren't.
 
Act - “Now more than ever, I want my non-black friends and colleagues to know that the greatest thing you can do for us is to use your privilege to help us. If you see us being treated unfairly because of the color of our skin anywhere — from the grocery store to the doctor's office, on social media — say something." says Stephanie Caudle, founder of Black Girl Group, a staffing agency in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Reflect - Consider what you are sharing on social media. Seeing videos of someone brutalized or dying brings a sense of "that could have been me, my spouse or my child." It is traumatizing and is causing a rise in PTSD in Black communities
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United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.