Black & African American Community
Cultural Stigma
Note from BC2M
This presentation includes material that may be more difficult for some of us to engage with. That's OK. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, in any way, and for any reason, please take liberties to remove yourself from the space and find someone you trust to talk to.
With love, BC2M
Agenda
Tip: Use links to go to different online books outside your presentation.
How: Highlight text, click on the link symbol on the toolbar, and insert the link you want to connect.
Diaspora & American Population
The African and Black Diaspora
Many Black Americans are the descendants of West African peoples. Others have established roots here as a result of immigration.
As of 2021, 47.2 million people identify as Black in the United States.
the nation's black population is diverse and consists of people with varied racial and ethnic identities and experiences. This includes those who identify their race as Black, either alone or along with other racial backgrounds.
Tip: Use links to go to different online books outside your presentation.
How: Highlight text, click on the link symbol on the toolbar, and insert the link you want to connect.
Cultural Stigma Means Both:
In 1848 John Galt, a physician and medical director of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, stated that, “blacks are immune to mental illness.” This assumption of enslaved Africans was rooted in the idea that because they have “limited” access to owning property, participating in civic affairs, or engaging in commerce, they are not at risk of stressors that lead to mental illnesses (I.e “white man’s illness”).
This narrative not only excluded African American and Black communities from mental health studies for many years, but led their community to subconsciously embrace the belief that it does not exist for them.
History of Stigma of Black People In America
Although factors like low socioeconomic status and lack of equitable treatment in our 21st century can add to the prevalence of mental illness, decades of oppression, terrorism, and racism due to white supremacy makes stigma a strong obstacle to acknowledge. This is why Black visibility and empowerment movements like #blacklivesmatter are so important.
History of Stigma of Black People In America Cont.
Discussion Question:
Based on the previous slide, why is supporting movements like #BlackLivesMatter relevant to mental health?
Let's Pause.
Next, we will be discussing mental health statistics and challenges. Digesting this information can be difficult and triggering. Please take a moment to be present with your breath and heart beat. If you are curious about a particular topic, please take some time to do additional research.
Historically, African-Americans and Blacks have experienced various challenges and traumas with racist institutional powers and healthcare systems in the U.S. including:
All of these factors have negatively impacted their mental health status and access to the resources that help to cope with life. Please take some time to explore these topics to get a better understanding of its impact.
Understanding Historical Trauma
There is a lack of trust in the medical system due to historical abuses of Black people in the guise of healthcare, less access to adequate insurance, financial burden, and history with discrimination in the mental health system.
During the 1800s and 1900s, scientific racism was used as a way to justify slavery.
History of Mental Health Care
Physicians and Psychologists would discover new mental illnesses that only affected enslaved people who wanted to flee and physical abuse was recommended as a treatment for these illnesses.
In the 1960's "schizophrenia" was described as a "protest psychosis", in which black men developed hostile and aggressive feelings after aligning with activist groups such as Black Power, the Black Panthers & the Nation of Islam.
History of Mental Health Care Cont.
Cultural Competency: Being aware of your own cultural beliefs and values and how these may be different from other cultures
Lack of cultural competency results in poorer quality of treatment and misdiagnosis. This can also lead to further mistrust of professionals and lack of engagement in treatment.
As of 2022, 5.1% of Psychologist are Black or African American while 75.9% are White.
Lack of Cultural Competency &
Representation
Black & African American Mental Health Statistics
34% of Black Americans over the age of 18 have experienced some form of severe psychological distress.
34%
90%
of African Americans have experienced racial discrimination in some form or another, which has had a negative psychological impact on their lives.
25%
of African Americans are more likely to be exposed to factors that increase the risk of developing a mental health condition, such as homelessness and exposure to violence.
Black & African American Mental Health Statistics Cont.
Black men are the least likely to seek mental health support. This is in part due to the higher rates of discrimination against black males with respect to mass incarceration and police brutality. False stereotypes about black men being aggressive and angry may also negatively impact their mental health.
Discussion Question:
After learning the previous history and statistics, what are some ways our club can contribute to eliminating the stigma for the Black and African American community?
How to Support the Black Community
Be aware of inaccurate historical stereotypes and myths about ethnic and racial minorities and how they have affected their mental health. Increase this awareness through journaling and discussing with peers.
INCREASE CULTURAL AWARENESS
Remember that your friends and peers are not obligated to explain to you everything that you would like to know about their culture. This can put an immense pressure on them to represent their whole community. Take the time to do your own research to show you care.
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
Black, African-American and Afro-Caribbean cultures are immensely diverse in many ways. Don't make assumptions about a person's experiences and adherence to certain cultural values and practices.
APPRECIATE INTERETHNIC DIVERSITY
Talking is a powerful healing tool. It may help your friends to open up if you initiate conversation and share your own experiences with mental health. But remember never to pressure someone to talk about their experience. Respect their boundaries and their right to own their own story when or if they feel ready to.
OWN YOUR EXPERIENCE, NOT OTHERS'
Check Out These Other Portal Resources to Learn More
Resources For Black & African American Students
https://oppc.mentalhealthexcellence.org/
Find a Therapist
Webinars and Additional Websites
https://blackmentalhealth.com/
HTTPS://WWW.CRISISTEXTLINE.ORG/GET-HELP/EMOTIONAL-ABUSE
TEXT "BC2M" TO 741741
CRISIS TEXT LINE
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
CALL 988 OR 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
HTTPS://988LIFELINE.ORG/TALK-TO-SOMEONE-NOW/
HTTP://LOCATOR.APA.ORG/
FIND A LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST IN YOUR AREA
HTTPS://WWW.LOVEISRESPECT.ORG/GET-RELATIONSHIP-HELP/
CALL 1-866.331.9474
TEXT "LOVEIS" TO 22522
LOVE IS RESPECT NATIONAL DATING ABUSE HELPLINE
HTTPS://WWW.THETREVORPROJECT.ORG/GET-HELP/
CALL 1-866-488-7386
TEXT "START" TO 678678
THE TREVOR PROJECT
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
CALL 1-877-SAMHSA (1-877-726-4727).
HTTPS://WWW.SAMHSA.GOV/
General Mental Health Resources
References