COLUMN: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in the Black Community

As Mental Health Awareness Month ends, we reflect on the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and embracing therapy and support within our community. It’s time to prioritize our psychological and emotional well-being As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, I hope you’ve encountered a news segment, an insightful article, or a meaningful conversation with a friend, family member, or colleague about mental health within our community.& For far too long, mental health has been a taboo subject in the African American community.& Many of us were brought up in environments where family matters were kept private, and seeking therapy or counseling was not considered a viable solution to familial challenges. Instead, we often relied on our faith, believing that praying about our troubles would suffice.& While I am certainly not discouraging prayer, I maintain a daily practice of it myself. I’ve come to understand the power of vocalizing our struggles while seeking spiritual guidance. We carry an immense burden of mental health issues: stress, anxiety, pressure and depression. If left unexpressed and unchecked, these emotions can manifest physically, affecting our overall well-being. Stress, in particular, acts as a silent assassin, contributing to a host of chronic health...