Black History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It is also a moment to acknowledge the challenges that Black communities have faced—and continue to face—including those related to mental health.
At Evergreen Therapeutics, we believe that mental wellness is essential for everyone, and we are committed to fostering healing, empowerment, and access to quality care. While Black History Month is often focused on historical figures and civil rights movements, it’s also important to recognize the role of mental health in the Black experience. The fight for justice and equality is deeply intertwined with emotional and psychological well-being. By addressing mental health openly and breaking the stigma surrounding it, we can take meaningful steps toward healing, both individually and collectively.
The Mental Health Journey in Black Communities:
Mental health has long been a complex and, at times, difficult subject in Black communities. The historical trauma of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism has left deep psychological scars that persist across generations. This phenomenon, often referred to as intergenerational trauma, can manifest in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(Comas-Díaz, 2016). Additionally, social and economic disparities have limited access to mental health care. Many Black individuals face barriers such as:
● Limited access to culturally competent therapists who understand the Black experience.
● Financial obstacles that make therapy unaffordable or inaccessible (American Psychological Association, 2017).
● Mistrust in the healthcare system due to historical injustices, such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment (Washington, 2006).
● Stigma within families and communities that discourages seeking help (Ward et al.,2013).
Despite these challenges, progress is being made. More Black mental health professionals are entering the field, and there is increasing awareness about the importance of mental health. Community-driven initiatives, advocacy groups, and online resources are helping to normalize discussions around therapy and self-care.
Honouring Black Mental Health Advocates:
Black leaders have long advocated for mental health awareness, even when it was not a widely accepted topic. Here are a few individuals who have made a significant impact:
● Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark – A pioneering psychologist whose research on self-perception in Black children helped inform the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case (Russell, 2018).
● Audre Lorde – A poet, feminist, and activist who famously described self-care as “an act of political warfare” (Lorde, 1988).
● Bebe Moore Campbell – An author and advocate who co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles and fought for better mental health support in Black communities (Campbell, 2005).
Their contributions remind us that mental health is not just an individual journey—it is deeply connected to social justice, equality, and empowerment.
Breaking the Stigma – Encouraging Mental Wellness:
While past generations may have been hesitant to seek therapy, today there is a growing movement to normalize mental health care in Black communities. Here’s how we can continue to break the stigma and prioritize well-being:
1. Start the Conversation
Talk openly about mental health with family and friends. Whether through casual conversations or community events, normalizing discussions about mental wellness can encourage more people to seek help when needed.
2. Seek Culturally Competent Care
Representation matters. Finding a therapist who understands the cultural, societal, and historical factors that shape the Black experience can be incredibly beneficial. Organizations like Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) offer directories to help connect individuals with Black therapists.
3. Engage in Self-Care and Community Healing
Mental wellness isn’t just about therapy—it also includes daily practices that promote emotional balance and joy. This could be through journaling, meditation, prayer, exercise, creative expression, or spending time with loved ones. Healing is both personal and collective, and finding ways to connect with others in safe, affirming spaces can be deeply restorative.
4. Educate Yourself and Others
Learning about Black mental health pioneers, psychological resilience, and systemic barriers can help individuals make informed decisions about their well-being. Reading books, attending workshops, and following mental health advocates on social media can provide valuable insights and resources.
5. Support Mental Health Initiatives
There are many organizations dedicated to promoting mental wellness in Black communities. Donating to, volunteering with, or simply spreading the word about these initiatives can help create lasting change.
We’re Here for You:
At Evergreen Therapeutics, we understand the importance of culturally sensitive and compassionate mental health care. Whether you are facing stress, anxiety, trauma, or simply looking for a space to process your emotions, we are here to support you. This Black History Month, let’s honor the past by building a future where mental health is a priority for all. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of strength and self-love.
If you or a loved one are in need of support, reach out to us today to learn more about our services. Together, we can continue the journey of healing, empowerment, and mental wellness.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Mental Health Care: Highlights from the AP A Working Group Report.
Campbell, B. M. (2005). 72 Hour Hold. Alfred A. Knopf.
Comas-Díaz, L. (2016). Racial Trauma Recovery: A Race-Informed Therapeutic Approach. American Psychologist, 71(8), 855-865.
Lorde, A. (1988). A Burst of Light: Essays. Firebrand Books.
Russell, K. (2018). The Legacy of Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark and Her Impact on Psychology Today. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(3), 215-231.
Ward, E. C., Wiltshire, J. C., Detry, M. A., & Brown, R. L. (2013). African American Men and Women’ s Attitude Toward Mental Illness, Perceptions of Stigma, and Preferred Coping Behaviors. Nursing Research, 62(3), 185-194.
Washington, H. A. (2006). Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present. Doubleday.
If you are interested in speaking with a professional and you reside in Ontario, Canada, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@evergreentherapeutics.ca. We offer a team of psychotherapists who treat a variety of mental health concerns and work with individuals, couples, and families. Visit our website www.evergreentherapeutics.ca for more information.
