Mental health is vital for living life at its fullest, impacting our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. For the Black community, the conversation around mental wellness is intertwined with racial issues. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledges that “racism is a serious threat to public health,” leading to significant disparities in mental health care—only 25% of African Americans pursue treatment, compared to 40% of their white counterparts.
Access to care remains a challenge, with around 10% of Black individuals in the U.S. lacking health insurance, compared to 5.2% of non-Hispanic white people. To highlight this critical issue, BET.com engaged with Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, CEO of the Onyx Therapy Group. Notably, she observes an increase in demand for mental health services among Black individuals, although older generations may still hesitate to participate.
Dr. Plummer explains, “There’s been an incline and an influx of Black folks engaging in mental health services… Some of our boomers are still a little hesitant to participate in therapy.” In contrast, younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are more open to therapy, influenced by concepts like work-life balance and holistic wellbeing. Students increasingly seek help through community resources, signalling a positive shift among younger Black people.
However, Dr. Plummer also identifies a concerning trend—current political climates adversely affect Black individuals, especially women, who experience ancestral trauma. “A lot of Black women are being triggered from our historical past… which means that we’re triggered, and the emotion that we have is fear,” she elaborates, noting how this triggers thoughts about relocating to more welcoming places post-election.
Central to maintaining mental health is prioritising self-care and wellness. As Dr. Plummer notes, “There’s a difference between mental health and mental wellness.” Daily activities that bring joy, like walking or colouring, are essential. She emphasises that rediscovering joy is revolutionary for Black communities: “Black joy is the revolution.”
Additionally, fostering community can greatly enhance healing. Dr. Plummer advises spending time together in familiar, comforting settings rather than seeking distant escapes. “We are communal people… We get to talk, play games, and lean back into community wellness,” she underscores. Moreover, prioritising adequate rest is vital, as stress hampers sleep. Plummer concludes, “Wellness is about identifying what already works in your life and expounding that.”
The article highlights the complexities of mental health in the Black community, focusing on racial disparities in care access and the growing demand for services. Dr. LaNail R. Plummer notes generational differences in attitudes towards therapy, with younger generations more open to seeking help. Community, self-care, and the pursuit of joy are essential components for mental wellness, echoing the sentiment that “Black joy is the revolution.”
This exploration of Black mental health reveals a pressing need to address systemic disparities while celebrating community and self-care. By recognising the transformative power of joy and communal support, we can create pathways towards better mental wellness. Emphasising generational shifts in attitudes towards therapy offers hope for overcoming stigmas, ultimately fostering a healthier future for the Black community.
Original Source: www.bet.com
