Q: How does mental health stigma manifest in the Black community, and what historical factors contribute to this stigma?

A: Unfortunately, poor mental health in the Black community is often dismissed or ridiculed. Within the community, particularly in the older generation, poor mental health is seen as a non-issue or a lack of resilience or mental fortitude. For sufferers that display outward symptoms in public, disparaging remarks are made or the person affected would be called a called a ‘madman’ or ‘madwoman’ – words I have often heard used to describe people with poor mental health. There is fear surrounding mental health that exists in the community, which has enabled stigma and misinformation to prevail. 

Q: How can mental health services be tailored to be more culturally sensitive and relevant for Black individuals?

A: Mental health professionals need to understand and acknowledge the complex history of the Black experience and mental health care.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, firmly held distrust of the medical system in the Black community began to resurface due to past traumas caused by inequality and racism. The community was particularly fearful because it was widely reported by the media that Black and Asian communities were experiencing a higher number of fatalities due to COVID-19.

Mental health services need to approach the community with empathy and compassion,  to create a considerable change. We must educate practitioners and give them feedback from the Black community about how to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and help them understand their lack of trust in the system.

Talks and drop-in sessions at community centres or GP surgeries offering help and advice for the Black community would help people feel their care and well-being is important.

There is a need for more Black and ethnic minority practitioners in therapy, counselling and the general mental health profession. People often feel more comfortable with someone from the same racial group as them, because they have a similar background or community, and so identify more closely with them. This may put them at ease and encourage them to relate their experiences.

Q: How can education about mental health be improved in schools to better serve Black youth and their families?

A: Investment of both time and money is necessary to improve the mental health of Black youth in schools. Counsellors or mentors should be sought to conduct one-to-ones, group sessions, or ‘clinics’ to encourage our youth to express themselves without prejudice in a safe space. Information packs, whether print or online, can be distributed to students, parents or caregivers, with resources enabling them to access help and support if necessary. This long-term strategy would ensure that the mental health needs of our youths are met. This is incredibly important as the Care Commission (2010) states that: “Black people are more likely to access treatment though a police or criminal justice route. Black and mixed Black groups are between 20% and 83% more likely to be referred from the criminal justice system than average.” Clearly, intervention is needed to address the mental health needs of Black youth so they do not become a part of the criminal justice system or have to ‘wait’ until then to be referred for mental health care.

Q: How can policy changes support better mental health outcomes for the Black community in alignment with SDG3?

A: Policy makers need to comprehend the lived experience of the Black community and respond to what is being said. They must champion and advocate for the needs of the community to make people feel listened to, and encourage the notion that they are a part of their own development and growth. With allyship, collaboration and a clear ‘roadmap’ the SDG goals can be achieved.

 Q: What steps can individuals and communities take to foster an environment that prioritizes mental health and aligns with the goals of SDG 3?

A: There are many small steps that can be taken to achieve a big impact on fostering an environment where the stigma of mental health can be reduced:

Practice self-care; think and feel. It is okay to feel a range of emotions and there are times when we are overworked or stressed. Take time for yourself and focus on your well-being: a walk around your neighbourhood, reading a book, and exercising, can give you balance and and increase your well-being.

 Help others: Black youth need positive role models to look up to and be encouraged by. Be that person for them, whether it is for a family member or the child of a friend. Offer a listening ear to them.

Educate yourself: learn about mental health and look for resources which will enable you to foster empathy for those who are facing mental health challenges. If you identify any symptoms in yourself - more persistent bad days than good, or if you are suffering from low moods for an extended amount of time, seek help.

A huge number of companies are now understanding the importance of addressing the issue of mental health in their workforce, and provide mental health first aid courses. If there is a course available sign up - and if your company do not offer this initiative, ask about it!

Raise awareness: join or create a group or tea-break session to talk with others. This will increase engagement and bring people together, to share experiences or to learn about the experiences of others. 

Professional speakers or mental health advocates provide talks about the misconceptions of mental health and increase knowledge to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help for themselves. They can support the opening of dialogues with colleagues, friends or relatives they may have concerns about.

Foster inclusivity by encouraging people from all communities to engage with your efforts especially if you are from a Black or minority group. Mental health affects everyone and no one should be excluded from the conversation.