Mental health issues, in many ways, are finally losing the stigma associated with them. Persons are more likely to get the treatment that helps them than ever before. Unfortunately, there are still shortcomings and much work left to be done. This is due largely to the many sub-groups and categories of persons who must be cared for within this broader reality of care. In this article, we are taking a closer look at some of the issues and concerns of black men and women and how highlighting black practitioners like black male therapists can actually help.
Combatting A History Of No Treatment and Mis-Treatment
Perhaps partly due to a mix of sub-cultural tendencies, a history of mistreatment (leading to mistrust), and a lack of access, many black men, women, and children do not get the mental care they need. Sub-culturally, it is true that many in the black community do not seek out the health resources that may be available to them. Add to that a history of being taken advantage of and used as guinea pigs in many aspects of the healthcare system, and a lack of access to quality care in other instances, and you immediately see a complex situation where black mental health is concerned. Thankfully, all is not lost and the situation can be remedied.
For starters, it helps to take steps to change the narrative. Dialogues that educate the community about healing practices and cultural relevance is a great place to start. Such conversations will help to build trust and begin the process of changing the sub-cultures that can harm black mental and other health care prospects for black men and women in the process. Of course, this will require practitioners, speakers, and community members that those in the black community can readily connect with and relate to – such as black male therapists. Highlighting black and minority psychologists, social workers, advanced-practice psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists will go a long way in this regard.
The combination of representation and community is a powerful way to break the stigma associated with seeking mental health care without being seen as ‘crazy.’ As more individuals within the black community seek out the help they need, the better off black families, workplaces, churches, and other communities will be. After all, healthier individuals help to make healthier communities. In turn, healthier communities will build healthier towns, cities, provinces, states, and countries. Slowly, but surely, we will be able to transform the realities of mental and other kinds of health within the black community.
