Why Therapy Is Important For Young Black People
By: Sue Giplaye
Young black people suffer from mental health issues just like the rest of the world’s population. It is safe to say that they have even greater stressors due to systematic oppression, economically unfair wages, and constant discrimination. The Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health has concluded that 10% of African Americans are more likely to experience a serious form of psychological distress.
So why do many young African Americans avoid therapy?
Misinformation
Our communities place a lot of emphasis on strength. We don’t want to be seen as weak or cursed. Some have the belief that mental illness is a punishment from God. Just pray more and complain less. Because of a lack of knowledge, we might underestimate the long-term effects of mental health conditions. So instead of dealing with it and seeking treatment, we just throw it under the rug.
Socioeconomic Factors
Black Americans “are at least twice as likely as whites to be poor or to be unemployed.” And with the millennials heading into a job market that is full of inequality, many of our young black people put their mental health on the back burner. In 2017 11% of black people in the United States did not even have health insurance at all.
Faith And Community
Through research, it has been found that many young black people turn to religion or their community to get strength and support. Large support systems may come in the form of the church or their family. Those without family may go as far as joining a criminal gang. Having a support system can relieve your mental health issues. But it should not be a replacement for medical treatment.
Distrust
It is hard to trust therapists when the majority of them are white. The same way much black youth have a lack of faith in the police force is the same way they distrust therapists. We are underrepresented as psychologists, but we are very well represented among mental health providers as a whole.
Why It Is Important To Seek Therapy?
Self-medicating has its downside. Resorting to getting high on marijuana for prolonged periods can cause low blood pressure. Getting drunk for years can cause serious damage to the liver. Taking your anger out on others will only create broken relationships. Being promiscuous as a way to deal with problems only results in heartache. Partying every weekend can give you a rush, but once the buzz is gone, how will you deal with your issues?
Instead of internalizing your pain, therapy gives you the chance to air things out. It may take days or weeks to see results, but the sessions will be well worth it. It can even save your life from premature preventable death. Seeking out healthier ways to deal with mental health issues with a trained psychologist will give you peace of mind.
E3 Michigan offers a multitude of services that help and empower youth. Feeling mentally out of it? Our licensed and trained therapists can assist you to make wise decisions in your life.
Sources: https://www.nami.org/find-support/diverse-communities/african-americans