Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health.
There are HUGE differences in diagnosis between black people and our white counterparts.
During my lecture titled Culture and Global mental health, we learnt that Trinidadians living in the UK are 5-12 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than our white counterparts.
Wow.
Diagnosis
The rate of diagnosis of Trinidadians living in Trinidad was the same as white people living in the UK!!
That brought several questions to my mind. What is it about living in the UK that increases Afro-Caribbean people being diagnosed with mental health? Surely, the environment must play a role.
In the UK, there a stigma attached to mental health, especially in the Black community.
In my community, we must admit we (black women specifically) like to uphold the idea that we are the embodiment of a strong black woman that can overcome any obstacle in our way.
By ourselves.
And if we don’t, we are not the epitome of a ‘strong black woman’.
However, being strong doesn’t mean we are weak if we ask for help. Receiving help for a mental illness does not make you weak!
Discussing mental health is still a taboo topic in my opinion.
I’ve witnessed that we are more likely to talk to our pastor, fellow church members, and a family friend about issues that are bothering us within the black community.
Having A Support system and getting help to cope with issues.
It is important to have a support system. Talking therapy, i.e. group therapy, is also effective in treating disorders such as anxiety and depression.
For instance, I have been advised to pray about my concerns. As if prayer alone can make a mental illness disappear. Sadly, this is a typical response in Caribbean culture; I know quite a few people who had a similar response when discussing their mental health struggles.
But I understand that many religious people believe in miracles, but how can you alter chemical imbalances?
In the UK, we are lucky that we live in a country with free access to healthcare, so we should utilize it effectively.
Moreover, the older generation in ethnic minority communities may not grasp the severity of mental illness (as it was not discussed nearly as frequently, if at all, as it is now).
In other words, some may still believe in the notion that if you are diagnosed with a mental illness, “you are crazy”.
This is not a politically correct thing to say, and its underlying notion makes me think that developing a mental illness is a conscious choice, which is certainly not the case.
Above all, I strongly believe that mental health needs to be discussed in our community to ensure people are more knowledgeable about the different mental illnesses, diagnosis, symptoms and the most suitable treatment available.
Fear, combined with being viewed as being mentally ill, can stop people from receiving the help they may need.
Most importantly, institutional racism and cases such as Stephan Lawrence and the young black man who died in a police station play a role in people of colour, deciding not to get the help they may need.
Besides, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities are more likely to be diagnosed and admitted to hospital than our white counterparts. Therefore, we must have access to mental health services and use so wisely.
After that, I am making it my mission to encourage ethnic minorities to be more open to simply talking about our mental wellbeing.
Take away
In conclusion, I am on my path to becoming a counsellor as I believe if more people of colour (POC) see therapists that look like them, perhaps more POC may find counselling more appealing.
There are millions of people across the globe that are diagnosed with mental illnesses.
Many people are currently receiving help and are in remission.
Remember, you are not alone.
Someone else is going through similar things to you.
You are strong and you will get through this.
Below is a list of mental health charities that you can turn to talk to someone.
Talking is the first step on the road to recovery.
You’ve got this.
Thanks for reading.
Take care.
XO
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Mental Health Charities
Mental Health Foundation
020 7803 1101
Improving the lives of those with mental health problems or learning difficulties.
Together
020 7780 7300
Supports people through mental health services.
The Centre for Mental Health
020 7827 8300
Working to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems.
BACP Find a Therapist Directory
01455 883300
Through the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) you can find out more about counselling services in your area.
PANDAS Foundation
0843 28 98 401 (every day from 9am-8pm)
PANDAS Foundation vision is to support every individual with pre (antenatal), postnatal depression or postnatal psychosis in England, Wales and Scotland. We campaign to raise awareness and remove the stigma. We provide our PANDAS Help Line, Support Groups offer online advice to all and much more.
Citizens Advice
Gives free confidential information and advice to help people sort out their money, legal, consumer and other problems.
Support for children and young people
Young Minds
020 7336 8445
Provides information and advice for anyone with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person.
Childline
0800 1111
Free, national helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger.
Nightline
Listening, support and information service run by students for students.
Other places you could go for support
Age Concern
0800 009966
Infoline on issues relating to older people.
Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
020 7837 7324
Provides information, support and referral services.
Refugee Council
020 7346 6700
The UK’s largest organisation working with refugees and asylum seekers.
Relate
0300 100 1234
Offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support.
Education Support Partnership
08000 562 561
A 24/7 telephone support line which gives teachers access to professional coaches and counsellors 365 days a year.
Anxiety UK
08444 775 774
Works to relieve and support those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy.
