‘We Need to Change the Narrative around Black Mental Health’: A Collection of Black Mental Health Resources
By Lucia Ene-Lesikar
2020 took a particular toll not only on black bodies, but on black minds and mental health too. Last year the videos of the murder of George Flyod circulating the media not only sparked international outrage, but also reminded us that no other group of people is exposed to the witnessing of people like them being murdered by by police, the very people supposed to be protecting them, like black people. These videos, and the conversations that come with them, can be profoundly traumatising. This came on top of the global pandemic, which has disproportionately affected black communities in the UK and America. Now, more than ever it is important to check in with yourself and access help if you need it. We’ve compiled a list of excellent resources below, but there are plenty of others out there.
In the black community there is often stigma associated with mental health challenges. Stigma includes the negative beliefs and attitudes that people attribute to mental illness. One of the most significant stigmas is that mental health illnesses don’t really exist or are a sign of weakness. This is an idea that juxtaposes the trope common in media, that black people are strong, both physically and emotionally, and that to digress from this narrative is to be weak. Another trope is that individuals who have mental health illnesses are prone to violence. These beliefs reinforce the idea that mental health is something we should be ashamed of, this just reduces the likelihood that an individual that is suffering will access the resources they need.
This problem is not only prevalent in our own communities, but is also reinforced by systematic and institutional racism, where there is often a lack of cultural sensitivity, criminalisation or disbelief over what individuals are facing. This widens the gap between provision and requirement of mental health treatment. That is why we need to change the narrative around black mental health. We need to question our own biases about mental health and confront our own stigmas, but also be working within our communities to dismantle existing beliefs surrounding mental wellbeing. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, we need to continue to campaign for better mental health services for black people, including putting in place systems to help people suffering with mental health illnesses now, but also dismantling the systems that disadvantage black people generally.
Photo courtesy Peer Support Space/Facebook
BLOGS/ARTICLES/WEBSITES
Here is a list of resources which explore why there are inequalities, why black mental health matters, but also provide resources you can access, such as Mind or Young Minds, which might be of some use.
Young Minds - Black Mental Health Matters
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/black-mental-health-matters/
Manchester Uni - Black Mental Health Matters: Time to Eradicate Long-Standing Ethnic Inequalities in Mental Healthcare
BLAM - Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health
Zuri Therapy (Racial-Wellness)
https://www.instagram.com/blamcharity/?utm_source=ig_embed
Mind - Young Black Men
https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-policy-work/equality-and-human-rights/young-black-men/
Black Men’s Mental Health is the Next Pandemic
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/black-men-mental-health
Anxious Black Girl Blog
http://oneanxiousblackgirl.com/
The Black Mental Blog
https://theblackmentalblog.com/
INSTA
Following instagram accounts can be a great way to expose yourself to ideas or influencers you haven’t encountered before. We’ve curated a list of instagram accounts that centre around inspiring and facilitating conversations around black mental health.
@black_minds_matter_
https://www.instagram.com/black_minds_matter_/
@Dj_the_Therapist
https://www.instagram.com/dj_the_therapist/
@AlkemeHealth
https://www.instagram.com/alkemehealth/
@BlackLotuso
https://www.instagram.com/blacklotusto/
@freeblacktherapy
https://www.instagram.com/freeblacktherapy/
@Raquwlmartinphd
https://www.instagram.com/raquelmartinphd/
@blackmindsmatter.uk
https://www.instagram.com/blackmindsmatter.uk/?utm_source=ig_embed
@transparentblackgirl
https://www.instagram.com/transparentblackgirl/?utm_source=ig_embed
@transparentblackguy
https://www.instagram.com/transparentblackguy/
PODCAST
These podcasts are really great introductions into black mental health, with some especially funny hosts. Our personal favourite? The Friend Zone.
Real Talk: Black Minds Matter
https://open.spotify.com/show/0L10Dg71IOl4KcqT9mc5QK
Mind Your Mental
https://www.instagram.com/mindyourmentalpodcast/
Therapy for Black Girls
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-for-black-girls/id1223803641
The Friend Zone
https://open.spotify.com/show/0MjGx0jKlCEP1AA5ihxiof
Affirm
https://soundcloud.com/affirmpodcast
Balanced Black Girl
https://open.spotify.com/show/46muBfvOgp2U44ycqZJPPN?si=6fpchh19Qz6f6tGDUA4a6w
Black Mental Health Podcast - Reginald A.Howard
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-mental-health-podcast/id1394583671
YOUTUBE
If you fancy watching something, here are some videos that address some of the problems that the black community faces when it comes to mental health, but also how it is changing.
Black Mental Health Matters | Phillip J.Roundtree
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meHVNJ5Y05g
Talking About Black Mental Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxBAW56awE
Mental Health & Being Black: What’s Change in the 25 Years Since Stephen Lawrence’s Murder?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxBAW56awE
Mental Health is Declining and Black Women Are Hit the Hardest | Keita Joy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX5zqQuLMOw
Changing View on Mental Health in the Black Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX5zqQuLMOw
The Impact Racism can Have on Mental Health in the Black Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGbhub7d5b
BOOKS/JOURNALS
If you really want to dive into the topic here are some suggestions to get you started. We’ve also added a couple of journals that might help you navigate through our own feelings and reflect on your own identity.
Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help you Deserve - Rheeda Walker
Black Mental Health Matters: The Ultimate Guide for Mental Health Awareness in the Black Community - Aaren Snyder
Black Women’s Mental Health: Balancing Strength and Vulnerability - Stephanie Y.Evans
Loving Me: A Self Care Journal for Black Women - Melanin Magic Journals
Affirmation Journal for Black Men: Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop by Black Men Heal Publishing
Breathe.: A guided Healing Journal for Black Men
Balanced Black Girl | Community Healing Guide
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1li8FRUNFoVuJ2-UtSw3gyxLTM4ObcXD-W1R-X0EQCUU/edit#gid=0
Research sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88add4/2020-took-a-heavy-toll-on-black-mental-health
RESOURCES
If you need further help you can contact the following resources below.
Papyrus
Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight, every day of the year)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)