There is no better time than now, during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, to have an honest conversation about the unique challenges people of color, and Black people in particular, face when dealing with the micro and macro issues of the world.
For far too long, mental health was something not discussed or adequately processed, so many members of communities of color suffered in silence. Whether it was issues pertaining to depression or bipolar disorder, self-medicating, or self-harm, I am so glad more and more brave people are coming out of the shadows to share their stories and help others learn and/or feel less alone.
My dear friend and colleague, Dr. Michael Lindsey, is the dean of NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. His research specializes in child and adolescent mental health services; adolescent depression; adolescent suicide; school mental health; adolescent risk behaviors; and Black mental health. He is a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions to generational poverty and inequality. In some of our conversations, he said Black boys are demonstrating suicidal ideations before they are even out of elementary school.
So many individuals, families, and communities have been affected by the carceral state, inadequate schools and services, and housing conditions, all of which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. We can no longer dismiss subtle cries for help. After COVID subsided, so many people were left with feelings of loss and despair, even as we were expected to continue on with our lives … as though a global pandemic did not occur. Some people lost their jobs and sense of self-worth and stability while others lost loved ones, and many lost both. Many are not only dealing with mental struggles, but others in their family and community are as well. It is important for us to keep our eyes open and really see our neighbors and loved ones.
If you live in New York City, you can call or text 988 and be connected to a free, confidential crisis for counseling, mental health, and substance misuse support, information, and referral. You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, and online chat (988lifeline.org/chat). If you do not live in NYC, you can call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.
It is imperative that we take care of ourselves …and one another. If you need assistance, know there are people and organizations here to help.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is a professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.
