06/29/23
Hello readers,
Today, I want to discuss the stigma associated with therapy and mental health in the black community. When it comes to receiving counseling and assistance for their mental health, Black Americans and other people of color have long been stigmatized.
When the subject of mental health treatment or counseling is brought up, you can hear people saying something like, "Who got money for all that," or "Therapy is for white people" for example. Growing up, especially in a low income household, I heard a lot of parents saying, "What're you depressed about—you have a roof over your head!" or "You'll be fine."
Accorrding to a therapist I spoke with, societal stigma, validation, empathy, and accessibility are the key problems when it comes to addressing the mental health difficulties that the black community faces.
When you've been taught that nobody can or would help you, it can be difficult to accept that you need assistance. I, personally, needed to understand that it's acceptable to express how I'm feeling without fear of ridicule or condemnation. It was important for me to hear the words "I see you, I hear you, and I'm here for you."
I think that when it comes to empathy, individuals are more inclined to relate to someone who looks like them. A person's actual experience with a patient's racial or ethnic heritage, culture, or socioeconomic status can also be helpful. People of color and LGBTQ clients may seek therapy in a setting that is safer and more accepting thanks to a black therapist. Talking with someone who looks like you and even can relate to your experiences can make a world of difference in accepting support when you need it.
A therapist can point you in the direction of your own resources to make getting out of bed easier and to help you find purpose in life. Therapy can assist in overcoming trauma if you are feeling overwhelmed and need assistance dealing with significant setbacks in your life. Events like the loss of a loved one, a miscarriage, an addiction, or recurring suicidal thoughts (which is occurring more frequently for me lately) are all areas that therapy can help you learn to find positive coping strategies. Therapy can give you the motivation you need to overcome hopelessness and make positive lifestyle adjustments.
I'm currently in therapy and one of the biggest things I'm still learning is not to wait until a crisis happens to ask for help. I always expect that everything will turn out okay, but I am learning that I should seek counseling before a crisis to help me learn how to manage life.
Let's be honest, a boost in mental toughness can help everyone, including you. Just because you're good at moving foward despite some obstacles, you may have come up with one too many reasons for avoiding getting any kind of therapy. But as time passes, the difficulties you face in overcoming obstacles may multiply as you put them off. I say this to ask that you find someone who you can feel comfortable talking to and watch yourself heal and grow. Always remember, the process of processing unresolved grief and trauma has no time limit.
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