YOU MIGHT THINK, with the dawn of 2022, that frank talk about #mentalhealth is as common as passing the butter at the dinner table. And in truth, we’ve come a long way from the days of denial and labeling people with psychological challenges as damaged goods. But for the average #AfricanAmerican, acknowledging that your emotional, psychological, and social well-being is affecting your everyday life is still very taboo, especially for #Black #men.
There are many layers as to why #AfricanAmerican #men disproportionally suffer quietly from #mentalillness but a lot of it can be attributed to equity issues and #racism, suggests Edwin C. Chapman, M.D., an internist specializing in addiction medicine at the #BlackMentalHealthAlliance, a collaboration of #doctors and experts dedicated to the wellness of #Black people, located in Baltimore, MD. If you want to get to the root of the issue, this phenomenon of #Black #men suffering silently with #mentalillness “comes from a history of slavery, segregation, and the Jim Crow era,” says Dr. Chapman.
“[#Black #men] were always taught to not let people see them suffering, so we hide it, internalize it, and don’t talk about it,” says Dr. Chapman. “It comes from a long tradition of oppression and as a result of that, #anxiety and #depression, which is often misinterpreted in our community as a sign of weakness. Denial is really a defense mechanism and [a way] to hide that hurt.”
In the past few years, a growing effort has been made by #Black #male #athletes, artists, and celebrities to come forward and speak openly about their #mentalhealthstruggles. The hope: By being candid about their situations, it may reduce the #stigma and give other #Black #men the confidence to do the same. It’s a step in the right direction, say experts, but more needs to be done.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
#Black people account for about 12% of the population but are 20% more likely to experience major #depressivedisorder that is persistent, disabling, and resistant to treatment, compared to #white counterparts. For #AfricanAmerican #men, this more severe #mentalillness too often leads to #suicide. In 2018, the death rate by suicide for #Black #men was four times greater in comparison to #Black #women, according to the #OfficeofMinorityHealth (#OMH). In 2019, #suicide was the second leading cause of death for #Black #men between ages 15 to 24.
These numbers correlate with the fact that #Black #men are less likely to seek treatment when they are struggling. It’s not just an issue for men of color: Society’s toxic definition of masculinity encourages all men to “tough it out” when they feel upset inside. But for #Black #men, this get-tough attitude is reinforced due to the likelihood that if they do seek help, they are less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment they need. To wit: #Black #men are four times more likely than #white #men to be diagnosed with #schizophrenia, but are underdiagnosed for mood and #posttraumaticstressdisorders.
“When you have a marginalized identity, anything that pushes you farther into the margins is something people really want to avoid,” says Arlington, VA-based #psychologist Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Ph.D., (known as Dr. Alfiee) who is also the director of the AAKOMA (#AfricanAmerican Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully-Healthy #Adolescents) Project and Research Lab. “God forbid someone attaches that label of ‘crazy’ to them…it could have significant ramifications.”
To add fuel to the fire, 50% of #Black #men in the prison system have #mentalhealthissues, according to some reports, but rather than being treated with psychotherapy or medication, their symptoms are criminalized, possibly the result of #racism and negative stereotypes toward #Black #men by society. Trauma experienced in prison makes #Black #men even more resistant to seeking help. “Because of word-of-mouth, #Black people know this is happening, so why would you want to disclose you are struggling,” says Dr. Alfiee. “I understand why brothers don’t talk about these things openly.”
Owning the #MentalHealth Movement
Back in October 2021, Dr. Alfiee was a key speaker at the Mental Wealth Expo, a free event that was open to the public and focused on tackling #mentalhealth in the #Blackcommunity. The program was produced by media mogul Charlamagne Tha God. “We now have so many athletes and brothers like Charlamagne talking about these things,” she says. “They are redefining what manhood means for #Black #men.”
Charlamagne Tha God has also written books on the matter, including Shook One: #Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me, which highlights his experience with #mentalhealthstruggles. His candor is just one example of #Black #men trying to change the #mentalhealth narrative. Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders, provides another. Solomon co-founded The Defensive Line, an organization dedicated to #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention, after he lost his sister to #suicide. Another former NFLer, Jay Barnett, who struggled with #mentalillness during his football career, has become a #therapist, aiming to fill the void of #Black #therapists he discovered when he sought help for his #mentalhealth.
“These men are saying ‘I’m going to do the opposite of what I was taught, instead of being stoic and holding it all in I’m going to start expressing it because that is a healthier way for me to heal,’” says Dr. Alfiee. “These brothers are teaching the next generation, ‘If I can share my struggles, you can share yours, too.’”
When #MentalIllness Hits Close to Home
If you think a #Black #man in your life is struggling mentally, look for signs such as drastic changes in their mood or energy level. Also pay attention to shifts in their sleeping and eating habits. If you notice any significant changes in your loved one, it may be time to act.
Approach him in a nonjudgmental way and ask if he is OK and if he would like to talk about anything, says Jonathan J. Goldfinger, M.D., CEO of Didi Hirsch #MentalHealthServices located in Culver City, CA. Ask if there is anything you can do to help him, and reassure him that you are there to help, without judgment. (Definitely put your phone down, make eye contact, and let your friend know that you are listening, he adds.)
If the person does not respond well, try again at another time, but don’t push. Taking too-aggressive an approach could cause him to have a strong reaction or shut down completely, says Dr. Goldfinger. “Instead, create the space for him to talk about it [when he’s ready],” he suggests.
Also pay attention for the signs of #suicidalthoughts. If a person is getting his final life affairs in order or is saying things like ‘I wish I wasn’t here,’ ask him directly in a non-judgmental tone if he has ever thought of committing #suicide. Don’t be surprised, says Dr. Goldfinger, if he answers you with a “yes.”
“Don’t pass go or do anything else. Call the #nationalsuicidepreventionhotline with them,” Dr. Goldfinger says. (Anyone can reach out to the hotline, with a family member or on their own, anytime. Those who call the #suicidecrisisline are at lower risk for #suicide than those who call 911.) The most important thing is that you “tell the person that they matter and that you care,” says Dr. Goldfinger.
To reach the #NationalSuicidePreventionhotline, call 1-800-273-TALK; it’s open 24/7 and available in all languages.
Keydra is a staff writer at HealthCentral with a focus on the intersection of health, community, and pop culture. The Harlem-based journalist joined the team in 2021. Prior to that, she was a writer at the Grio, covering more
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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