Mental Health Stigmas in the Black Community

In honor of Black History month, this blog discusses the stigmas within the Black community regarding mental health, and remembers the Black pioneers within the field of psychology.

The stigmas of society often send the message that Black men and women shouldn’t complain when they are struggling with emotions, and to simply push through. Black women in particular are not supposed to get tired, and Black people in general can absolutely not struggle with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concern – we pray, hope that it goes away, and then move on.

However, how does this help or allow someone to prosper? People like Mamie Phipps Clark, the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University, and Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, who was a groundbreaking African-American psychiatrist who made significant contributions to the study of Alzheimer’s disease, understood the importance of mental health and its lack of discrimination.

Addressing your mental health as a Black individual, and seeking out stories of other people of color who have struggled with mental health can be a great way to not feel alone. Following organizations and reading articles from Mental Health America, The American Psychological Association, or Grow Counseling’s blogs can also help you to learn more about mental health and how to ask for help.

If you are worried that you or a loved one may be struggling with a mental health condition, there is hope. To start, consider coming into Grow Counseling for a confidential mental health intake to assess your symptoms and find out how to seek help. We have inclusive and culturally competent therapists who will validate, support, and advocate for your wellbeing. To read the full article on honoring mental health and Black history, please click here.

Written by: Jasmine Tyson