We need to continue this conversation as I feel there is much more to be discussed. We shall tackle an issue that I feel black parents particularly of the older generation tend to shy away from Mental health.

Now I want to start first of by apologising if you felt I was too harsh, however oftentimes pussy footing gets us nowhere!

Currently in the United Kingdom 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem that can be anything from anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or psychosis. Here in England alone, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week Mind, (2018)

Now to address the issue at hand Mental health, (2018) has found that black and minority ethnic groups are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems and are more likely to be diagnosed and admitted into hospital. These are the facts and it is time you face them and not run away. Your black children need you it’s not easy but we are all struggling we just don’t want to struggle with you also.

Black people get treated the worse by mental health services, more likely to be admitted into hopistals that’s if the services even take you seriously. Have you ever noticed it’s mainly the police or the courts that are overseeing the admission of ethnic minorities. Where is the primary care, e.g general practioners making referrals.

So we are not being recognised by the mental health services or we are overrepresented by far, then we are finding it difficult to even approach our parents and say my mind is broken how do I put the pieces of it back together.

In most Caribbean and African cultures mental health is seen as taboo, it’s not something we discuss black people are very much of the struggle in silence motto. Which is very detrimental to our health physically emotionally and mentally. With all the racism we face on a daily basis it’s actually amazing that more of us are not battling silent demons. That continuously plaque our every thoughts.

I’ve noticed that mental health within black communities is seen from an ignorant perspective we are either demonically possessed or just ‘tired’ if we have a good nights sleep we wake up tomorrow feeling right as rain. Though honestly for people with severe mental health issues it’s as if the rain is falling on top of them and they’re drowning.

My issue with a lot of black parents is the dismissive nature you seem to have, if your child approaches you and says something isn’t right I need help why do you assume the best option is to pray? Why not help your child to book an appointment with his/her gp.

Or is it the ignorance the unwillingness to accept that maybe the psychological damage was inflicted by how you’ve treated your children growing up. Now they’re Spiraling our od control and you’re faced with a mirror of your actions it’s too difficult to process.

I understand that oppression, white supremacy and white dominance has effected us all. However I can’t sit here and see black children drowning while their parents ignore it. At the end of the day we are only looking to be loved by you unconditional love has no barriers.

So here are my tips to address mental health for your black children….

1. Listen! If your child wether adult or not tells you they’ve not felt right for a long time, they are aware that something is wrong please listen do not judge, do not suggest praying about it. The time for action is now the sooner you get your sun or daughter help the sooner they have the potential to recover.

2. Stop being dismissive! There are often multiple signs that a person is having a break down and understandably they’re often missed. However if you acutely aware and know what to look out for you can help your child!

3. If you’re computer literate or if not ask someone to help you research up on black therapists, black psychologists. Or charities that are aimed at black, Asian and ethnic minorities in order for ya to get help within our communities. It is a pity to say that the struggles that we face white people typically have no clue on.

4. Finally 4! It is ok to accept help, some of you are not bad parents at all. It’s just this mentality of trying to help your child by yourself only is doing them more damage then you think. Let people in if you have family members who are nurses or doctors let them in to help what would they recommend. Please don’t try to do everything by yourself you’ll end mentally unstable also.

I hope black parents understand these conversations must continue, learn about mental health. What are the signs of poor mental health, does it run in your family etc.

‘Liberate the minds of men, and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men’ -Marcus Garvey

Written by Sistah Soul