Happy Black History Month! Here at Pacifica Counseling, we welcome all who walk through our doors. However, In reverence to this month, I wanted to highlight all of those who identity with this month as it represents celebration, loss, and loads of history.
It is obvious to state that mental health struggles can happen to anyone, no matter what the race, culture, or socioeconomic status. Statistically, 1 in 4 Americans are affected by mental health struggles. Of those Americans, African American adults are 20% more likely to be affected than any other population. In African American teens, there is an 8%+ chance of suicide attempts compared to Caucasian teens. The numbers are rising for minority groups in positions of power and change. However, the numbers are still under 10% for psychological settings such as psychologists and nurses. The numbers rise closer to 20% in terms of social workers and psychiatrists.
In the past few years, the United Stated has seen devastating circumstances for many African Americans that have left secondary fear and trauma to those around them. A lot of people forget that Ruby Bridges is STILL alive! Yes! This event was NOT that long ago...Due to the traumatic instances that occur to many minorities all over the world, it makes sense that a lot of people are avoidant or resistant to therapy. Whether this is due to religious beliefs, trauma, fear of trusting professionals, etc., only about 25% of African Americans attend therapy. This number has increased over the years due to providers breaking down barriers, providing appropriate education, and allowing clients to be the narrator of their own stories.
In order to properly provide support to the community, it is imperative to KNOW history and be able to provide a safe space for all minorities who enter the therapeutic space. As providers, it is our duty to continue the call to action in protection of black and minority voices. We must continue to resist the cycle of violence and erasure of history, as well as increase equality for all we encounter.
I hope that we as a group celebrate this month and remember all of those voices, known and unknown, who make it possible for people like me to be able to do what I love everyday. Thank you to all of those who have gone before me so that I can use my position as a way to empower those who feel as if their voice is not valuable.
I will leave you all with this quote:
“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are here for you! If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, please contact us for support!
Need or want more resources? Please see the links below.
Black History Month and mental health — resistance and resolve. Nat. Mental Health 1, 77–78 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00030-2
