Mental Health And Black History Month
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Black History Month generally centers on Black Americans' history and current efforts in the Black community to fight for equity, fairness, and anti-racism. An aspect of Black history and current efforts involves mental health, as access to mental health resources for Black Americans can be challenging due to stigmas, racism, and other forms of oppression. Learning about the development of Black History Month from a mental health lens may be a way to honor this month and begin advocating for improved resources and support. One avenue to receive accessible and compassionate mental health care may be through an online therapy platform.
The history and significance of Black History Month
Black History Month was started in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a scholar who believed Black history was largely ignored in American society. After founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, Woodson aimed to teach others about history, publishing the Journal of Negro History, which is now called the Journal of African American History.
In 1926, Black History Month was called “Negro History Week,” and it occurred in the second week of February in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This week unofficially evolved into Black History Month in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement and has been federally recognized since 1976 by every American president, including Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States.
Respectful ways to honor Black History Month
No matter who you are and from what background you come, there may be ways to honor Black History Month respectfully, including the following.
Support Black-owned businesses
Supporting Black-owned businesses can increase their public visibility and allow you to give back to the Black community and Americans of African descent. Below are a few tips for donating to or supporting Black-owned businesses:
- Don’t assume what a business might need from you; ask questions about how you can help.
- Be intentional about your efforts.
- Share your support on social media in a way that encourages others to support local businesses or Black creators.
- Continue to support Black businesses after Black History Month.
- Write positive reviews for Black-owned businesses in your area.
- Donate to Black organizations that are currently fighting for equity and equality.
- Don’t make supporting Black-owned businesses about you or your allyship unless you are part of the BIPOC community.
- Sponsor Black-owned businesses if you have a business or want to work side-by-side with other organizations.
Engage with media from Black creators and help stop racism
Black writers, filmmakers, songwriters, artists, and other creators can be censored on social media and through racist algorithms. By engaging with media online, sharing it with friends, and continuing to follow these creators, you may boost their visibility online. For example, you might listen to and share music from Robert Johnson, a Black songwriter and blues musician. In addition, you can share social media posts from Black artists and writers.
You may also support Black creators by purchasing their art or services. During Black History Month, museums or art galleries in your area may showcase Black work. You may also try visiting the National Museum of African American History or a local museum to learn more about African American History Month from artifacts, writers, and museum curators with African roots.
Attend local events
You can attend virtual and physical events for Black History Month in 2024. The Black History Month Virtual Festival occurs in February of 2024 online and involves programming surrounding the 2024 theme of African Americans and the Arts. If you live in Washington, DC, you can also purchase tickets for the 2024 Black History Month Festival Luncheon.
The physical celebration of the Black History Month Festival will also occur in Washington, DC. Other cities also hold festivals, including the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival and the 15th annual Black History Month Festival by Springs Preserve.
Mental health and Black History Month
An aspect of Black History that may sometimes be ignored is mental health. Many Black pioneers paved the way to support the mental health of Black and BIPOC communities in the present. Below are ways to focus on mental health in February and year-round.
Learn about mental health statistics for Black Americans
Mental health statistics for Black Americans can be drastically different from those of other categories. According to Mental Health America, “Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism—structural, institutional, and individual—and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities, including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black Americans (especially Black women) tend to be more likely to experience feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than other populations.
With approximately 16% of all Black and African American people experiencing a mental illness in the last year, access to mental health resources can be crucial. In addition, suicide risk and substance use can be increased in Black populations, so suicide prevention efforts can also be essential in these communities.
Access hotlines and resources as a Black or BIPOC American
If you would prefer to speak to a BIPOC crisis counselor, you can call or text BlackLine at 1-800-604-5841 for peer support, resources, and affirmation. They are trained to support those struggling with mental health concerns, hate crimes, BLM-related concerns, police brutality, prison advocacy, and referrals. These individuals work from a Black feminine lens and prioritize BIPOC individuals calling for support.
Learn about Black mental health pioneers through education
Several pioneers in mental health have frequently been overlooked in discussions about Black History. Below are some of these individuals and the contributions they’ve made:
- Bebe Moore Campbell: Bebe Moore Campbell was an author and mental health advocate for the Black community. She founded a NAMI branch in Inglewood to create a space for Black Americans to reach out for support. After her death, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was named in her honor.
- Kitch Childs, Ph.D.: Dr. Childs founded the Association for Women in Psychology and was one of the founders of the Gay Liberation Front in Chicago. She was a therapist providing support to LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients from her community.
- Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D.: Dr. Sumner was the first Black man in the US to get a degree in psychology. He graduated from Howard University and headed their psychology department.
- Inez Beverly Prosser, Ph.D.: Dr. Prosser was the first Black woman in the US to get a Ph.D. in psychology. She wrote her dissertation on segregation and racial inequality and their impacts on self-esteem.
- Beverly Greene, Ph.D.: Dr. Greene pioneered intersectional psychology focused on the connections between LGBTQIA+ identity, racism, oppression, and mental health. She received the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association of Women in Psychology in 2008.
There are many other pioneers in mental health, so studying these individuals and their impacts can be a way to honor Black History Month.
Check out mental health care resources for Black Americans
Many organizations are dedicated to bringing mental health support and resources to BIPOC Americans and Black communities. Below are some of these resources to consider or donate to:
- The OKRA Project
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- The Black Organization for Leadership & Dignity
- The Black Mental Health Alliance
- The Center for Black Educator Development
- The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition
- Xceleader
- Black Lives Matter
These resources are also supported by mental health platforms like BetterHelp, which partner with these organizations to offer discounted or low-cost therapy to those in need.
Support options
Caring for mental health can be important and just as crucial as physical healthcare. However, some people may avoid attending in-person therapy due to cost, fears about discrimination, or a lack of access to mental health resources. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible.
Benefits of online therapy
In general, you can set your preferences for a therapist through an online platform upon signing up. If you would be more comfortable talking to a BIPOC therapist, you can simply select this option before getting matched. In addition, you can access resources like support groups on topics with which you connect, such as mental health challenges for BIPOC individuals.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Studies show that online therapy can be effective. In one study, online interventions were more effective than in-person therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing the quality of life for participants. In addition, the study found that online therapy was typically more affordable for clients.
Takeaway
How to reduce racial disparities in health care?
There could be several different ways of reducing healthcare disparities. For example, educating health care providers about these disparities as well as how to provide culturally competent care can help. Improving public awareness of systemic racism in health care is another potentially effective strategy.
Can celebrating Black history month help reduce racism?
Yes. By celebrating Black history, we can educate people about the accomplishments and contributions of the African American community. Education is one of the most powerful ways to eliminate racism since it is primarily perpetuated by ignorance and stereotypes.
How to educate on Black history month?
There could be many different ways to educate someone during Black history month. Aside from simply explaining African American history and contributions to society, you can encourage others to read books by Black authors, watch documentaries and movies on cultural issues, and point them to resources from the Center for Racial Justice in Education.
Is there a connection between mental health and black history month?
Yes. Black history month and mental health intersect in several different ways. For example, Black people are disproportionately affected by mental health conditions due to systemic racism. Moreover, there is a need for more public health initiatives aimed at facilitating culturally competent mental health services. Black history month can also be a time to celebrate African American contributions to the mental health field.
Why is mental health in the Black community important?
There may be many reasons to prioritize mental health treatment for African Americans today. For example, not only do Black people experience mental health issues at a higher rate compared to the general population, but there is also a stigma around mental health care in the African American community. Plus, helping Black people achieve mental wellness contributes to a mentally healthier world.
What is the stigma around mental health in Black communities?
Many African American adults view the concept of a mental health condition as a sign of weakness or lack of fortitude. This can make it difficult for people to speak out about issues with mental wellness. There could also be a sense of mistrust toward the mental health system since it's an institution that has been impacted by systemic racism.
How many black people are affected by mental health?
Black people may be less likely to seek treatment for their mental health needs, so it could be difficult to get an accurate assessment of the situation. According to a 2021 survey, over 20% of African Americans reported having a mental health condition. It could be important to encourage young adults in the Black community to seek help if they need mental health or substance misuse (formerly substance abuse) resources in order to lead mentally healthy lives.
What does Black History Month focus on?
Black History Month shines a light on the unique contributions of African Americans to American society.
What are 5 good reasons to celebrate Black History Month?
Five reasons to celebrate Black History Month include:
Learning about Black culture
Recognizing important figures in Black history
Celebrating diversity
Celebrating shared experiences
Raising awareness of systemic racism
Who has the biggest impact on Black history?
Many people made a lasting impact on Black history. Some of these include Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Toni Morrison, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space.
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