Dear Black Men, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

“Supporting men in their mental health journey begins with not punishing them when they express that they aren’t okay,” Dr. Justin K. Dodson, founder of Navigating Courage, Counseling & Consultation LLC tells EBONY during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. “It’s not enough to use popular buzzwords and phrases to appear supportive, we must genuinely encourage men to seek help.” Dr. Dodson has spent the majority of his career exclusively treating adult male patients, with more than a majority of them being Black men. As a Black man who has experienced his own life traumas—the loss of his father at a young age and a persistent sense of exclusion—it was important for him to ultimately help other men work through their issues as well. “My services are exclusively for adult men, with 80% of my clientele being Black men. I believe representation fosters relatability and safety. There is a unique language we share that eases tension and allows for a deeper exhale, reminding Black men that seeking help is both safe and, despite any discomfort, absolutely worth it.” According to a study revealed by the National Library of Medicine, 56-74% of Black males exposed to traumatic events may have an unmet...