Hello wonderful individuals! Let's discuss mental health, a subject that concerns us all. Imagine living in a society where anyone may receive the assistance they require, regardless of who they are. We strive to do that, especially when it comes to assisting Black people.
I'm a psychology student right now, and I've discovered something significant. The information we acquire in class isn't always as varied and comprehensive as it might be. Black kids like myself are impacted by this because we aren't receiving the whole picture. And what's this? This has an effect on how mental health treatment is delivered as well.
Imagine that everyone would receive better care if we could ensure that mental health professionals understood and respected other cultures. But currently, a lot of individuals, especially Black people, don't feel understood or supported. It's not easy, from minor annoyances dubbed "microaggressions" to broader issues like not having the proper type of aid accessible.
According to research, Black individuals in the UK have higher mental health problems including sadness and anxiety. But what's this? There aren't enough mental health professionals who are familiar with their circumstances. That would be like attempting to describe your favorite TV show to someone who has never seen it; they simply wouldn't understand!

What can we do, then? First, let's ensure that those providing mental health assistance look like the individuals they are aiding. We want to be the person you can talk to who actually knows your life. In addition to training other professionals to better comprehend various cultures, we need more Black mental health specialists.

And here's a huge one: mental health can also be impacted by the suffering of earlier generations. We'll be on the right road if we can comprehend this and provide treatment that honors their experiences. But hold on—this isn't only a problem for Black folks. Unfairness affects people of all backgrounds in different ways. Therefore, we must work together to improve the situation for everyone.

The good news is that change is being fought for! Fixing things is the goal of movements like Black Thrive in the UK and the Black Mental Health Alliance in the US. They are championing equitable mental health treatment in a superhuman fashion.

But what's this? You too can have superpowers! You may make a significant contribution by paying attention to the experiences of Black people, learning how racism and trauma affect them, and selecting mental health professionals who have firsthand experience.

While we haven't arrived yet, we are traveling. We want everyone, regardless of background, to have access to excellent mental health treatment. We can ensure that everyone feels heard, supported, and cared for if we work together. Visit my website at www.bempongtalkingtherapy.com to discover more. Keep in mind that we are all working toward a better future for mental health!

References:

Mental Health Foundation (2019). Fundamental Facts About Mental Health https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/fundamental-facts-about-mental-health-2019
Public Health England (2017) Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Mental Health Inequalities in England https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-bame-mental-health-inequalities-in-england
Williams, M. T., & Mohammed, S. (2013). Racism and health I: Pathways and scientific evidence American Behavioral Scientist, 57 (8), 1152–1173. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764213487340
Hill, M., & Ferguson, K. (2020). Understanding the Effects of Historical Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma on Mental Health Social Work Today, 20(2), 18–19.
Mezey, G., & Brookes, G. (2016). Mentally Healthy Universities: A Guide to Good Practice Universities UK. https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-and-analysis/reports/Documents/2016/mentally-healthy-universities.pdf
Kirmayer, L. J., Narasiah, L., Munoz, M., Rashid, M., Ryder, A. G., Guzder, J., Hassan, G., Rousseau, C., & Pottie, K. (2011). Common mental health problems in immigrants and refugees: a general approach in primary care Canadian Medical Association Journal, 183 (12), E959–E967. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.090292
Black Thrive (n.d.) Our Vision. https://www.blackthrive.org.uk/our-vision
Black Mental Health Alliance (n.d.) About Us. https://blackmentalhealth.com/about-us/
Diversity And Inclusion