Concerns about the mental health of minority groups, more specifically those of African or Caribbean descent isn’t something that is addressed often. The significant inequalities for black men in the UK stems from black men engaging in mental health services but typically results in discomfort or deemed unsatisfactory (Darko, 2021). According to the Institute of Medicine it was reported that African American and Hispanic patients will experience a lack of quality with their health care professional (Meyer & Zane, 2014). In the black community, public stigma plays a vital role in help-seeking as trauma from seeing loved ones mistreated or overmedicated creates a perception in the Black community making it hard to resolve (Kapadia, 2023).
Studies and reviews show there is a disconnect in ethnic minority groups seeking professional help compared to White majority groups. Prejudice, stereotypical and discriminatory views impact these groups while being backed with decades of systemic reviews that help prove mental illness stigma is greater in minority groups (Clement, 2015). Practitioners should engage with black men differently, a study done by Frank Keating examines the way African and Caribbean Black men view themselves or their environments through pictures and conversation. Participants address negative impacts from environmental surroundings, hopes and aspirations as well the complexities of black masculinity (Keating, 2020). While things in life like trauma can affect every person differently, communities that silence the voices of those concerned is a direct result of shame, pride, anger or reluctance. The term mental health has become a taboo subject in the Black community due to these stigmas (Keating, 2020).
Engaging with the very people who are affected by mental health is a common theme that isn’t always taken into consideration. Enabling these voices to create healthy narratives around mental illness and the support that black men need allows individuals who resonate to relate and share their own experiences. In an interview with Daviis Harper, he says “mental health isn’t talked about in my family. This in combination to the lack of resources available for anyone like me that is dealing with any mental health condition isn’t talked about enough.” Harper was diagnosed with ADHD and depression in his early 20s, but hasn’t received any evaluations or treatment that would help him seek better understanding now at the age of 28.
“In my hometown there are more fast food restaurants than there are hospitals, affordable ones at that. I live in a rural area, so making friends isn’t impossible but it’s a challenge. I tend to lean on social media to connect with my network of friends.”
Mike Lardi is a podcaster and mental health advocate. On December 24, 2020 he released an episode via his podcast The Bipolar Now. On episode 91, “BONUS: A FRIEND OF GOD”, Mike Lardi explores the benefits of having a true friend.
In the Black community, if professional support for treatment for a person’s mental health is lacking. Community is the last resort in maintaining the highs and lows of mental illness. Dr. Keith Dempsey is an advocate, therapist and public speaker. In an interview with KWG, he addresses systemic stigmas and the need for judgement free spaces in the Black Community.
