This is when I realized the depth of mental health stigma in the African American community.
As my experience progressed in the social work profession, I noticed many of the individuals who responded the most negatively to my career choice were the individuals I was dedicating my life to helping- African Americans who silently live with mental illness in fear of being judged.
The stigma of mental health isn’t anything new to the African American community, but it continues to affect African Americans daily due to barriers surrounding the need for mental health.
Many African Americans refrain from seeking out mental health services due to often feeling marginalized, the lack of sensitivity by health care professionals, reliance on family, the community and spiritual support instead of medical or psychiatric treatment.
It is important to educate our friends, family, and colleagues about the unique challenges of mental health within the black community.