Solutions to Stigmas : Mental Health Awareness in Black Women
Solutions to Stigmas: Mental Health Awareness in Black Women
Krissy Randolph
As a Black woman, I’ve experienced first hand the risks that come with adhering to the stigmas that have such a strong hold on the Black community. The stigmas have existed since as far as many as could remember. Some of these stigmas include Black mothers being deemed as “crazy, lazy, angry, and stupid.” Many fail to recognize that they are only being labeled these terms because of the conditions they endure. Not only are they responsible for taking care of their physical and mental health but they are responsible for taking care of their child’s. Black women carry an ordeal of stressors with being a mother, a worker, a member of the black community, a woman and being there for loved ones. With the weight of the world on their shoulders, you would think that these women would want to get help. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case which is where another problem arises.
There is a presence of distrust in the Black community with the medical field. This distrust can be traced back to the beginning of Black history in the US. For example, slavery can be examined. Black people whom were enslaved and attempted to escape were labeled as possessing a psychological disorder just for wanting to live their life as free. With the mistreatment from healthcare facilities, Black women are refusing care due to lack of cultural competence.
“You’re not sick.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“You’ll get over it.”
“Why do you need to go to the doctor?
Those repeated phrases hurt to hear the most. Imagine hearing that from someone that you thought cared about you when you were trying to explain to them the importance and existence of your mental health. Being afraid to speak up is a problem and not wanting to admit you may be sick out of fear of judgement for peers is an even bigger problem. Let’s put an end to these stigmas.
For my praxis project, I chose to raise awareness/educate the importance of taking care of yourself. I took it upon myself to create a poster with resources and motivating suggestions and display it in the LaRose student center at Elon University. Since it is a time where students are preparing for finals, a lot of students will spend their time walking past the poster and hopefully recognizing it’s importance. It is fall themed with bright colors to catch someone’s attention easily. On each leaf is a quote that anyone is free to take and keep along with my email on the back just in case they need someone to talk to through hard times. Above the leaves are other resources that can provide help with mental health. Taking the time out of my day encourage someone to keep going is important to me. Hearing“you encouraged me to do this,” “you made my day,” means that I’ve made a positive on impact on someone. I could’ve saved someone’s life just by taking the time to recognize one’s importance.
I chose this project because I know how it feels to be shut out or unheard. It sent me to a dark place and it’s not a feeling I would wish on anyone. Everyone deserves to be heard. Everyone deserves a chance to feel like they’re in the right place no matter how they believe everyone perceives them. You’re not your mental illness, you are what you decide to do about it.
Breaking the generational curses of Black households is something that may constantly be on a person of the Black community’s mind. After watching the system fail to provide adequate solutions and resources to help reduce mental illnesses, it motivates one to want to fight for change. Years after seeing the same thing happening, people begin to wonder if things will ever change. Things won’t, until a change is turned from just a thought into action. Seeing the longevity of the effects of mental health is a cause for concern.
Concern leads to curiosity. Curiosity should turn into action such as advocating for change, breaking stigmas that limit the African American community, creating a practice that influences more openness to therapy, etc. It starts within the community, the willingness to want better for future generations and yourself. Mental health is a silent killer. Someone next to you could be fighting a silent battle that you’d never think would be. Create a safe environment for anyone who surrounds you. It doesn’t matter the color of their skin. Mental health is a sickness but it isn’t something that defines you as a person. You are always in control of your actions. Everything is what you make it, this is what defines choices. The choice you make will make you.
Below, I’ve provided some resources just in case you or a loved one is in need of guidance!
