Mental Health in the Black community has always been considered a complex topic. It is often characterized as a taboo topic of discussion. There is indeed a stigma when it comes to mental health. However, there truly should not be. It is obvious that the black community has made enormous contributions to economic, racial, and social justice. We are also on the frontline when it comes to helping and serving others. Despite these efforts, mental health should still be addressed more in our community. According to the Columbia University School of Psychiatry, “African Americans suffer from high rates of depression and anxiety”. In part, the alarming rates of this depression and anxiety is caused by racial discrimination and stress. Historically, the Black community was and continues to be disadvantaged in mental health through subjection to trauma through enslavement, oppression, colonialism, racism, and segregation. African-Americans deal with racism and prejudiced behavior in their everyday environments which directly correlates to depression faced. The increased psychological difficulties are also rooted in medical racism and the lack of access to responsive mental health care. The black community still living through classism and racism causes a barrier for us to seek the help that we need. In part, it leaves our mental health needs unfulfilled. Mental Health needs to be addressed and advocated more in our community because it is an important issue that has an effect on our wellbeing. While we are still fighting for justice, equality and basic human rights, it is important to fight and raise awareness about mental health.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Savannah chapter.