black men are not afraid to speak out about their mental health. they're also not afraid to tell you that they don't like your jokes. when it comes to their mental health though, black men often hesitate or feel shame when it comes to talking about their struggles and seeking help. the problem is that while the emotional well-being of black men is talked about less than other groups, it's still a huge issue in our community — one that can be improved by addressing some key issues and giving them the support they need.
carve out your own space.
one of the most important things you can do is carve out your own space. don't feel like you have to be the strong one all the time, or be the breadwinner, or be the protector and responsible one. when we are busy taking care of everyone else's needs and emotions, we forget about ourselves.
take some time to just be by yourself—read a book or play some video games if that's what relaxes you
find a therapist who looks like you.
when it comes to mental health, black men have many barriers that make treatment more challenging than for other groups. but it’s not because they don't want to seek help; it's because they don't feel safe enough in our communities or even in therapy offices. black men are often stereotyped as aggressive and dangerous by society and can feel vulnerable when entering spaces where they may be the only black person.
this is why having a therapist who looks like you is crucial: you’re more likely to open up, trust this person, and feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues with them if you see yourself reflected at you on their face or body (and perhaps even hear your voice). in fact, research shows that people of color who receive care from a diverse group of healthcare providers report better overall health outcomes compared with those seen by physicians who share similar backgrounds but look nothing like them.
if there aren't any therapists available in your area who share your racial background (or gender), then ask friends or family members if they know anyone who could recommend someone good—and trust them!
allow yourself to smile, laugh and enjoy life.
it is okay to laugh and enjoy life. it is also okay to smile, be happy, and have fun.
there are many things in this world we can't control, but how we react to them is something we do have control over. so instead of being upset about the things you cannot change or control, focus on what makes you happy and positive about your future.
create healthy habits.
there are many ways to create healthy habits in your life, and they can all help you take care of your mental health.
here are some ideas:
- exercise regularly. exercising releases endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that make you feel good. if you don't have time to go jogging or hit the gym, try taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood on your days off from work. exercise is good for both body and mind!
- get enough sleep every night. it's easy to fall into bad habits when it comes to how much sleep we get each night—especially if we're stressed or busy! but scientists believe that getting enough sleep is important for keeping our mental health stable, so try making sure that once a week (or more) you get at least seven hours of shut-eye per night. you'll be amazed by how much better this makes you feel overall!
- eat well by following a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains such as oats or quinoa; lean proteins like chicken breast tenders; legumes like chickpeas or black beans; nuts like pistachios which contain magnesium which acts as an antidepressant in our bodies when consumed regularly over time due its calming effect on neurotransmitters found within our brain cells called norepinephrine receptors located throughout different regions within various parts which regulate mood control...
the mental health of black men is important, but it doesn't often get talked about it, or supported.
black men are underrepresented in mental health research, and the data that exists is often skewed. for example, suicide rates for black men are much higher than those of white men; however, white men are four times more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness.
this means that there's still much to learn about how mental health affects black people specifically. however, you can take steps towards better understanding your emotions and improving your mental state.
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black men have an important role to play in healing from the trauma of racism and violence, and in creating a future where everyone has access to their basic needs. we need more black men in therapy because it’s a place where we can find healing, but also help others find their healing path as well.
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