Alma’s Post

🌟 Inviting all to reflect on the impacts of systemic racism on mental health in the Black community, especially for Black men. The effects of racism are not just stressors; they can be intense trauma, amplifying the struggle for mental health care. It’s time for a change. 🌟 Despite increased mental health challenges in the Black community, awareness and access to care remain limited. Let's break the silence and stigma around mental health, starting crucial conversations and supporting each other in seeking help. 🌟 Black masculinity norms and societal expectations are factors hindering Black men from seeking help for mental health issues. It's time to redefine strength and support vulnerability, creating a safe space where seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. 🌟 More Black men are courageously sharing their mental health journeys, breaking stereotypes and encouraging others to seek help. Let's continue this momentum, normalize conversations about mental health, and prioritize our emotional well-being. 🌟 To Black men hesitant about seeking mental health care, remember: you have nothing to prove, treatment is confidential, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing. Choose a professional you trust and prioritize your mental wellness. https://lnkd.in/ez3svA5z

The black community often faces significant barriers when seeking mental health help, leading to a lower utilization rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Historical factors such as systemic racism, discrimination, and mistrust of healthcare systems play a role in this issue. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health within the black community can also discourage individuals from seeking help. Limited access to affordable and culturally competent mental health services further exacerbates the problem. Additionally, the lack of representation and diversity among mental health professionals can make it challenging for black individuals to find providers who understand their unique experiences. To address this issue, it is crucial to promote awareness and education about mental health within the black community, reduce stigma, increase access to affordable and culturally competent care, and improve representation in the mental health workforce. #blackcommunity #mentalhealth #stigma Click the link below for more information https://lnkd.in/djwxm7sc

I realized that we can lose our mental health if we don't make ourselves a priority." Black women embody resilience, strength, and nurturing, qualities so deeply embedded that self-care and mental wellness frequently get overlooked. Recognizing that overlooking one's well-being can erode mental health serves as both an alarm and a call to action for Black women to reevaluate and elevate the importance of self-care in their lives. Black women have historically been the backbone of their communities, providing support to everyone around them while simultaneously battling systemic inequalities and personal challenges. Full article in the link below. https://lnkd.in/gB6pzZ64

This is what Power that Serves the Whole by design can look like. It’s understanding the interdependence of power types and working wisely with them.

Mental health is a universal topic that affects everyone, including #BlackWorkers, who have been shown to face more barriers in the workplace. Fostering inclusive environments and open discussions about mental health can help to eradicate stigma and promote #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion. Click the link below to learn more about this important issue. **#WorkplaceMentalHealth** **#InclusiveWorkplace**

Important work from a few amazing people, including my man, Mark Tuggle! Supporting #BlackMen in addressing #mentalhealth is not just essential; it's a matter of #socialjustice and community resilience. Mental health issues have been stigmatized and silenced for too long, particularly in #BlackCommunities that have endured generational trauma and systemic racism. Black men are expected to perform strength at all times, a toxic expectation that can lead to internalized stress, psychological deterioration, and untreated mental health disorders. When Black men integrate mental health #awareness into their #work, it breaks down the barriers of stigma and invites communal #healing. It's a revolutionary act that disempowers #whitesupremacy, which thrives on the disintegration of Black #wellbeing. Black men leading this charge aren't just helping individuals but fortifying entire communities against a system designed to break them. #UnapologeticBlackNewsletter, #HipHopForTheFuture, #KhafreJay

Understanding that the Mental Health of employees varies as much individually as they do culturally is vital to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. https://rb.gy/bnsmz

www.shareflame.com ~ Racial trauma has profound mental health consequence - a Black clinical psychologist explains and offers 5 ways to heal Story by Char Newton, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Dakota • How to heal...Healing from racialized trauma is possible. Yet current incidents of social injustice combined with centuries of violence, poverty, undereducation, mass incarceration, family dysfunction and health disparities have made it difficult for some Black people to maintain hope, a necessary element in undertaking the work to overcome this trauma. Nevertheless, by learning new ways of thinking and coping, it is possible to find hope and overcome the wounds of racialized trauma. Based on research and nearly 20 years of clinical experience, we have found tangible tools to address these wounds in five holistic ways. As we write in “Black Lives are Beautiful,” a first step is identifying and understanding the psychological impacts of racialized trauma, as well as knowledge of strategies for wellness. A second step in healing is the active promotion of higher self-esteem. In our research, we learned that affirming one’s personal strengths and replacing negative beliefs can help individuals deal with racialized trauma. The third is developing resilience. Tenacity during adversity is important. The ability to bounce back and persevere can come from connecting with individuals, family and community. For some Black people, this work is especially powerful, as research indicates that spending time engaged in activities that focus on cultural strengths can increase feelings of personal control and lead to higher self-esteem. The fourth way is to promote empowerment. Finding strength in one’s personal choices is fundamental to achieving a higher self-image. Those choices could include supporting Black-owned businesses, attending cultural events and developing a strategy to gain financial independence. The last way of healing is found in promoting a sense of community. By doing so, an individual can increase a sense of belonging and counter the feelings of isolation triggered by racialized trauma. This article is republished from The Conversation. #traumahealing #traumarecovery #trauma #antiracism #racism