Creating a Space for Growth

Let’s have a conversation about mental health in the black community

The stigma surrounding mental health in the black community is gradually lifting. We are beginning to recognize how the tentacles of past trauma weave their way into our daily lives. Possibly lying dormant until triggered. Possibly so deeply ingrained in our DNA it molds our personality. No matter how it manifests, the point is it affects us sooner or later regardless of how fervently we try to ignore, deny, or lock it away. Yet, despite the recent influx of therapists of color more suited to understand the plight of young black men, a wealth of information at our fingertips and mental health discussions being more commonplace than ever, there are still too many suffering in silence. Many of our young men have been groomed from birth to always be strong, push through the pain at all costs and never show vulnerability. The fault in this thinking is that it does not afford men the opportunity to be vulnerable which is necessary to heal and experience true peace. Give yourself permission to not be okay and seek help. It does not make you weak. It takes strength to be vulnerable. Allow a therapist to guide you through the process. They’re trained to ask the right questions so you can figure out the answers. The answers to why you may feel unworthy, undeserving or not enough. The reason why everything you want is just out of reach. Therapy can give you tools to quiet the negative self-talk, identify harmful patterns and get you on the path to healing. Set your ego aside, find the right therapist for you and begin the healing process. A brighter day is waiting on the other side.

Please share your thoughts. Pro? Con? Therapy experiences?