Everyone is talking about mental health and well-being.
It comes up while watching the news, talking to friends, and scrolling on social media. We know that it's important, but sometimes it’s hard to ask for help because we’re nervous of being judged or misunderstood.
“Black communities tend to shy away from discussing mental health and wellbeing,” says Shane Joseph, Chief Executive Officer at Roots Community Services. “Breaking down these barriers and finding support is necessary so that we change the dialogue and teach future generations that their mental health is important.”
Why is improving your mental health important?
CarePoint Health and Roots Community Services partnered to explore some of the common myths and conversations surrounding mental health in Black communities.
Myth #1: “Therapy is not for me.”
Many racialized individuals feel pressured to show strength and bravery, especially in cultures that prioritize resilience over vulnerability. In these environments, sharing experiences of anxiety or depression might be met with responses like, “Get over it” or “What do you have to worry about?”
For the Black community, the ongoing struggle with anti-Black racism¹ and discrimination often brings additional mental and emotional challenges, which can negatively impact or worsen their mental health.
‘Mental health’ isn’t just about how we feel, it includes our emotions, thoughts, and how we manage everyday life. Sometimes managing life’s challenges means reaching out for professional support. According to The Black Health Alliance, “[i]n Toronto, Black Canadians often face ‘service deserts’—a lack of safe, inexpensive, and effective healthcare and community services in their communities.”²
It’s important to remember that asking for help, even if you’re unsure where to begin, can be the first step to healing and feeling like your best self. There are also many free and culturally affirming mental health services available.
In many Black communities, religious beliefs and leaders are often seen as primary sources of support. While prayer is powerful and can be a significant part of your mental health journey, it doesn’t have to be the only approach. Therapy and other forms of mental health support can co-exist together. This may include therapy, resources, and other treatments that help with processing traumatic experiences and dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Having open discussions with religious leaders and your healthcare provider about your desires, questions, and concerns can help identify an approach that works for you.
Sometimes we hesitate to seek care as it can be a source of embarrassment owing to cultural misconceptions. Many Black, Caribbean, and African cultures don’t talk about mental health challenges like anxiety or depression because they believe mental health challenges mean someone is ‘mad’ or ‘crazy’— insults that stop people from understanding what mental health is. Uncertainty about the right words to describe symptoms and language barriers can also make talking about experiences difficult. This stigma is another struggle that makes people uncomfortable discussing their emotions and experiences that keep them stuck.
The reality is that one in five people in Canada experience a mental health problem or illness.³ This means there is a chance that a loved one or someone you know may be struggling.
Just like doctors and nurses help with your physical well-being, mental health professionals can help with your mental well-being. Our therapists, social workers, and psychologists have done extensive mental health and cultural training. They also maintain strict confidentiality and keep any information shared, private.
It may be hard to let go of cultural fears or stigmas or speak to a therapist of a different background. The reality is that you can ask questions, evaluate if a therapist or service is right for you, and seek other mental health support if you don't feel you're getting what you need.
Free, publicly funded, and high-quality services are available.
The
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program offers support for depression, anxiety, trauma, or fears.
Roots Community Services offers culturally supportive programs including The
Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY) that can help Black youth and their families get the care they need.
| OSP | SAPACCY |
|---|---|
| OSP offers free mental health services for adults (18+). They will match you to the services that best meet your needs. | SAPACCY provides mental health and substance use services for Black youth aged 12-29 and their families/caregivers. |
| Telephone coaching and light practices between sessions. | Trained clinicians with lived experience that take a culturally sensitive approach. |
| Internet-based therapy delivered online. | Knowledge about substance use and mental health issues among Black youth. |
| Individual and group therapy options, available virtually or in person. | Knowledge about substance use and mental health issues among Black youth. |
| Services offered in multiple languages and with interpreters. | Healing-centered approach to care. Trauma-informed and healing-centered interventions. |
| No OHIP card or doctor referral is required, you can reach out anytime. | Crisis intervention and case management. |
Cultural beliefs and influences can stop people from accessing the help they need. It’s important to be aware of these common misconceptions and myths and prioritize your mental health with your physical health. By taking small steps to be more open, you can ask questions, explore choices, and find professionals with lived experience and a range of supports that align with your unique needs.
As you achieve mental well-being you can also empower those around you to care for their mental health. Together we can achieve good mental health and increase access to culturally sensitive care.
References
[1] Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021, February 12), Shining A Light On Mental Health In Black Communities.
[2] IBID
[3] Canadian Mental Health Association (2021, July 19). Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness.
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The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program offers free, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to adults (18+) in Ontario who are experiencing depression or anxiety-related concerns. CarePoint Health leads and coordinates access for Ontarians to the free OSP program for the regions of Brampton, Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke. In collaboration with our partners, we deliver mental health services and improve access to care.
Roots Community Services Inc.
(RootsCS), provides culturally-sensitive and culturally-enriching programs to the Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities in the Region of Peel. Programs and services reduce, if not eliminate, social and racial inequities that are major barriers to the successful growth of strong families and individuals within BAC communities.
