The black experience has always been a unique one, something we take pride in, but we don’t often recognize the other parts we sometimes have to come in contact with. How many of us have been a witness to something horrific? And if we haven’t, how many of us know someone that has? Being African American makes you much more likely to be a victim of a serious crime, therefore making it more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, but do we know anyone who will acknowledge that they have PTSD? Mental health conditions do not discriminate, and although there is a lack of acknowledgement from the black community, it is known that African-Americans develop mental health conditions at a rate equal to or more than other races, yet we are less likely to seek care.
The negative connotation we attach to mental health isn’t new. It’s been passed down from generation to generation. The root can be traced back to the times of slavery. It was commonly thought that slaves were not sophisticated enough to develop mental health conditions, so they instead leaned on community or spiritual support. This has led to the development of a negative stigma around mental health, and to the stigma being ingrained in our culture. That because you are diagnosed with a mental health condition or reach out for psychological treatment that you are “crazy,” “weak” or “there are people that have it much worse than you,” thus making you ungrateful.
Faith, family and community have always been pillars of African-American culture, but these cannot be the only things we rely on when it comes to mental health issues.
We push mental health issues away and instead struggle in silence out of fear of being judged by our own community. Faith, family and community have always been pillars of African-American culture, but these cannot be the only things we rely on when it comes to mental health issues. We have to destroy this stigma by raising awareness to mental health in our community. Properly educating each other, and stopping the judgement so more people will be likely to seek proper help.
West Chester University is doing its part to try to spread awareness. Free mental health first aid classes are happening from now until mid-November to teach everyday citizens how to identify risk factors and warning signs, and to understand and respond with a practical action plan. Additionally, during mental health week, October 7th to the 13th, WCU will be hosting its own “Take a Mental Health Day” on the 10th by providing students with different screenings, presentations and forums to further educate and open up the dialogue about mental health. We all have to do our part to change the negative connotation attached to mental health so our future generations aren’t afraid to speak up.
Midori Suber is a fourth-year student majoring in social work. MS895361@wcupa.edu
Great job !