The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in The Black Community
Racial abuse can lead to long-term mental health issues, raising awareness about mental health in the black community is vital.
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The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in the Black Community
The other day my son said something to me that shocked and saddened me. He said:
“Mum, I am glad you brought me to Ghana because I don’t want to get killed by the police or by some racist person on the streets of London.”
My son is only 11-years-old and he has already been adversely affected by racism and fear of being racially attacked. I have tried to both educate and protect my son, I don’t want him to grow up living in fear, hence why I moved to Ghana in the first place. However, I do want him to understand the realities of anti-black racism as it stands in the 21st century, plus the history and challenges we have faced as a people. I also want him to understand the importance of, self-love, self-care and self-belief. It is difficult though, I can’t pretend its all hearts and flowers because it's not.
Mental health awareness is vital, we need to highlight this conversation in the black community, we need to provide more safe spaces to discuss it without fear and without judgement. I grew up hearing the words “she is a madwoman,” and “she needs prayers, that’s all.” The idea that people might need therapy, medical or natural healing just fell on deaf ears in my household and in my circle of friends and family.
There are various distinctive challenges that we face as people of color pertaining to mental illness, let’s address those challenges. One of the major issues we face is eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness in the communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The next step is to look into raising more awareness and advocating for robust and welcoming support systems, safe spaces and open forums to discuss mental health. Treatment facilities that provide space for healing and therapy without fear.
