Breaking the Silence: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Black Community
Prioritizing Mental Health in the Black Community
Part 1: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Black Community – A Call to Healing
As we step into Black History Month, we take time to honor our resilience, brilliance, and all the
incredible contributions of Black people throughout history. But let’s be real—we’ve also faced struggles
that continue to impact us today. From systemic injustices to racial trauma and generational wounds, it’s
no surprise that mental health can take a hit. In times like these, taking care of ourselves isn’t just a nice
idea—it’s a necessity.
Let’s Talk About the Stigma
For a long time, mental health wasn’t something we talked about openly in our community. Many of us
grew up hearing things like "What happens in this house stays in this house" or "Just pray about it." While
faith and family are major sources of strength, they shouldn’t stop us from getting professional support
when we need it. Asking for help doesn’t make us weak—it’s actually one of the bravest things we can
do.
Therapy isn’t just for when things fall apart. It can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional
balance, and breaking generational cycles. The more we normalize seeking help—whether that’s therapy,
support groups, or even just open conversations—the more we can move past the silence and start
healing.
The Weight of Racial Trauma
Racial trauma is real, and it affects us in ways we may not even realize. Whether it’s microaggressions,
systemic discrimination, or just the exhaustion of always having to prove ourselves, these experiences
take a toll on our mental and emotional health. And let’s be honest—it’s not just something from the past.
It’s happening now, in our daily lives, in our workplaces, in our schools, and even in our own
communities.
So how do we heal? It starts with acknowledging the pain. Finding spaces where we can be real about our
experiences—whether that’s through culturally competent therapy, community discussions, or even just
talking to trusted friends—can be a game changer. Healing doesn’t mean we stay stuck in the pain; it
means we process it in a way that empowers us to move forward.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
We live in a world that often expects us to give, give, and give some more—without stopping to check in
on our own well-being. But let’s be clear: taking care of ourselves is not selfish. It’s necessary. And no,
self-care isn’t just about spa days and vacations (though those are great, too!). It’s about setting
boundaries, saying no when we need to, and giving ourselves permission to rest without guilt.
Rest is revolutionary. Our ancestors were denied rest, and today, we still feel pressure to push ourselves to
the limit. But what if we redefined success to include peace, joy, and emotional well-being? That’s real
freedom.
Healing in Community
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. We need each other. Black joy, Black love, and Black unity are just
as important as therapy and self-care. Whether it’s through faith groups, support circles, or just connecting with like-minded people, community is where true healing happens.
And let’s not forget the power of intergenerational conversations. When we listen to our elders and, at the
same time, educate the next generation about mental health, we bridge gaps and create space for deeper
understanding and growth.
Moving Forward
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s also commit to prioritizing our mental well-being. Therapy,
self-care, community support, and breaking harmful cycles are all part of the journey. We deserve to heal.
We deserve to thrive. We deserve peace.
In part two, we’ll dive into practical ways to make mental wellness a daily priority—because healing isn’t
just something we talk about; it’s something we do.
Ayanna Kilgore, Ayanna Kilgore , MAMFT, MSED