May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month and what better time to address African American Men’s Mental Health.
Let’s start a dialogue about Black Men’s Mental health to communicate the importance of seeking help for depression and anxiety a factor crucial to improving mental health outcomes for African American men.
Unfortunately, the device used to mitigate the depression and anxiety is alcohol and other drugs. There is this chicken and egg dilemma when it comes to mental health and substance use. Which comes first, mental illness or substance use? Does mental health cause the substance use? or does substance use cause mental illness. You be the judge.
Bob’s Story
I worked primarily with men at an RCO (recovery community organization). A peer we’ll call him Bob, Bob was smart, he had professional training, he was polished, and before he left the program, he had a promising career with a great company waiting for him. Unfortunately, his success was short lived and in six months he was back in treatment. This cycle would repeat itself no less than 3 times.
Bob (not his real name) and I talked. I mentioned to him that he could benefit from talking with a mental health counselor or therapist. I pointed out that he knew how to ‘get clean’ “because you’ve done it several times before so abstaining from drugs was not the problem but something is getting in the way of your long-term recovery.” I think talking with someone might help.”
I could see the weight being lifted off his shoulders. He wanted to know how he could find a counselor/therapist and I referred him to a licensed counselor/therapist.
Bob is doing great, hasn’t’ had any ‘setbacks’ he’s doing well in his career and has found his soul mate.
Bob's journey is a powerful example of how seeking help from a counselor or therapist can make a significant difference in one's recovery and overall well-being. It's inspiring to hear that Bob is now doing well in his career and personal life but it’s not just Bob’s story it could be your story too.
For more information on mental health services in the black community see:
https://wellbeingtrust.org/news/prioritizing-black-mental-health-a-guide-to-resources-and-support/
https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/black-african-american/
https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/mental-health-resources-racial-ethnic-groups/
Mental Health Month is a crucial time to address the mental health challenges faced by African American men. The stigma surrounding mental health in the black community often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to reliance on substances like alcohol and drugs to cope with depression and anxiety.
I want to share Bob’s (not his real name) story.
As a certified peer recovery support specialist highlights the importance of professional mental health support. Bob's journey is a powerful example of how seeking help from a counselor or therapist can make a significant difference in one's recovery and overall well-being. It's inspiring to hear that Bob is now doing well in his career and personal life.
Starting a dialogue about Black Men's mental health is essential to break the stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the help they need. By sharing stories like Bob's, we can emphasize the importance of mental health support and create a more supportive environment for African American men.