Black History Month: Defeating the mental health stigma with Black men

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Black History Month is a time to recognize Black Americans who made a historic impact for culture and in society. 19 News has also celebrated future leaders in Northeast Ohio, who are shaping the Black existence today. But the month also serves as a time to highlight problems and issues. One of which has been a stigma within the Black community for generations, mental health. In early February, the “Just Heal Bro” tour made a stop in Cleveland, featuring five panelist, who hosted a safe space for other Black men, to speak up and heal their minds. Dr. Jay Barnett, a family therapist, was the lead host of this event. “I think for the work that we’re doing is helping brothers to understand that they’re not alone.” says Dr. Barnett. Dr. Barnett knows first-hand how it feels to feel helpless and silenced. His lowest point, ended in not one, but two attempts at suicide. Fortunately for Dr. Barnett, he survived. But other Black men who went down the same road, were not as fortunate. Suicide numbers are staggering among Black men. According to 2018 stats from the Department of Health and Human Services, the death rate...