We need to #GetLoud about the experiences of mental health among Black Canadians. Misunderstanding in the community and barriers to accessing services leave Black Canadians struggling in silence, with the burden of anti-black racism.
Stigma And Silence: Black Canadians And The Fight For Mental Health Awareness
By Arti Patel | Huffington Post
For African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Canadians, the struggle for mental health is often a silent one. With misunderstandings within the community around what mental illness means and barriers that prevent individuals from accessing help or safe spaces, dealing with depression, anxiety and other disorders becomes challenging and complicated.
Dr. Natasha Browne, a psychologist based in Toronto who often works with Caribbean clients, says not only is mental health difficult to discuss, it’s quite hidden within the black community.
“We are also adding additional layers with issues of racism, sexism, classism and a heightened stigma within the community itself,” she says. “It is seen as almost an all-or-nothing phenomenon.”
Racism and the Invisible Struggle of Mental Health in the Black Community
By Sherri Williams, Ph.D. | Self
But our silence is killing us. Health disparities that include higher rates of some cancers, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other serious illnesses among African-Americans lead to premature deaths. Physical conditions can often be related to untreated mental health issues.
Race and racism both play a significant role in Black people’s vulnerability to mental health distress and our reluctance to seek treatment, Kevin Washington, Ph.D., president of the Association of Black Psychologists, tells SELF. “Racism and our response to it kills us more than anything.”
Racist Microaggressions Are Like Death By A Thousand Cuts
By Jeewan Chanicka | Huffington Post
The focus of moving structures to address those most hurt almost always focuses on the feelings of those who have institutional power and privilege, and continue to hurt those who are suffering, even when they say they’re doing better. This happens at the price of our mental health and well-being. Each time preferring to try and push things further so it will be better for everyone at the cost of ourselves. Indigenous elder, Dr. Duke Redbird, calls this “death by a thousand cuts.”
Marginalized People Face A Unique Mental Health Struggle
By Jeewan Chanicka | Huffington Post
Let’s talk about what we don’t talk about in terms of mental health. The impact of racism, discrimination and trauma on individuals, and more importantly for me as an educator, on children. We often speak about mental health as if it is a “neutral,” and in so doing, ignore the role of culture, the social determinants of health and how identity-based issues like racism takes a huge toll on the mental health and well-being of students.