Boosting Black Mental Health Support
Mental health in the Black community is a complex topic with interconnected barriers that hinder open discussion about it: from a lack of access to culturally-competent care to a centuries-long mistrust of a biased healthcare system.
But community leaders and organizations have made significant inroads to change narratives and inspire positive attitudes around mental wellness. To support that work, we've developed this research-based toolkit in partnership with The House of JOY, a Black-owned, purpose-driven agency that empowers clients and people serving the Black community by creating high-impact and feel-good initiatives. Mental health experts and community leaders were regularly consulted throughout the development process as well.
From social media graphics to video clips, we want these tools to help you educate yourself and others about the importance of emotional wellness.
A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS
Community leaders and grassroots organizations are actively working to dismantle the apprehension, mistrust, and perceived judgment around getting help for mental health issues in the Black community.
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Only 45%
are currently getting help/treatment for mental health issues.* -
47%
experience anxiety or depression symptoms.* -
41%
say they would only seek professional mental health help as a last resort.*
Our toolkit can help you as you work to change these perceptions and start positive conversations about mental health in your community.
Mental health challenges are far too prevalent in our communities, and the pandemic has only amplified these challenges. It’s important that we provide credible, relevant tools and resources to support our communities, which is why I’m happy to be partnering with the Ad Council on this effort.
CREATING CONVERSATIONS, EMPOWERING CHANGE
Use this messaging guide to start or continue meaningful dialogues about mental health in the Black community. With these helpful stats and conversation starters, you can help inspire incremental change and create a positive, accepting environment to discuss emotional well-being.
It's Helpful To... | It's Not Helpful To... |
| Use supportive language that affirms the vast range of emotions people experience and communicates understanding. | Use stigmatizing or judgmental language. Why? Many people do not see reaching out for mental health support as a sign of strength and may fear being judged for struggling. |
| Talk about mental health as something all people have and struggle with from time to time. | Use language that makes one feel isolated in their mental health struggles or a sense of shame. |
| Provide context around why there might be low use of mental health services and stigma surrounding mental health (e.g., systemic inequities, historic disenfranchisement). | Make generalizations about an audience or provide statistics that could be perceived as unfavorable without providing additional context on the causes or contributing factors. |
| Be intentional about how mental health is introduced and framed when communicating with your intended audience. Incorporate commonly used phrases (e.g., “everything alright?” vs “how is your mental health?”) written in plain, easy-to-understand language. | Default to academic language (e.g., mental well-being) when communicating about mental health. Why? Certain terms and phrases can sound out of place or confusing depending on the audience. |
| Encourage individuals to find the mental health practice(s) that works for them, based on their preferences, needs and lifestyle, and to be consistent. | Frame caring for mental health as one-size-fits all. Why? It's best to acknowledge that practices one person finds impactful may not work for others. |
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Messaging Guidance for the Black CommunityWe've worked with mental health experts to develop a guide for meaningful dialogues about mental health in the Black community, full of helpful messages, approaches, and conversation starters to foster communication and tackle stigmas.
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Messaging Guidance for Parents & CaregiversUse these tips and messages to spread the word about the Sound it Out campaign, which promotes the use of music to help kids and teens open up about their feelings and emotions safely.
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Messaging Guidance for Young AdultsTurn to these messages when sharing graphics or videos from our Seize the Awkward campaign, which offers advice to young people who want to create safer spaces for discussing mental health with their friends.
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Messaging Guidance for VeteransUse these tips and messages to spread the word about the "Don't Wait. Reach Out." campaign, which encourages Veterans to reach out for help before their challenges become overwhelming or reach a crisis point.
Faith-Based Approaches to Mental Health
Explore More Mental Health Outreach Initiatives
CRISIS RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.
ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Browse this list of online directories to find a mental health professional near you.