Hidden Struggles: Reporting on Black Men and Mental Health
The inaugural cohort of the Ethnic Media Collaborative was tasked with a weighty topic out the gate, asked, as our first assignment, to produce meaningful pieces about mental health and its impact in our respective communities.
I knew immediately that I wanted to focus on Black men and mental health. Having witnessed men in my own circle grapple with mental health challenges, I felt compelled to explore this often-overlooked issue.
Initially, it was suggested that I might want to focus on Black women and mental health, as I am a Black woman myself. I stuck to my guns, knowing the urgent need to address the underrepresentation and the under-resourced mental health challenges that Black men face.
Fellows were asked to write three stories on the topic of mental health in our communities. I produced 33, in a series I titled, “Head Space: Exploring the Mental Health Needs of Today’s Black Men.” Reporting on the mental health experiences of Black men has been a journey of profound learning and introspection. It's an exploration into a space that is often shrouded in silence, where societal expectations and cultural norms intersect with individual struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the Black community, presents a formidable barrier to seeking help, and addressing this stigma is critical.
The Weight of Silence
Black men face immense pressure to remain silent about their mental health. Cultural norms often equate vulnerability with weakness, making it difficult for them to acknowledge personal struggles and seek help. The fear of judgment, both from within the community and from society at large, can be paralyzing. This posed a challenge in trying to find people within the community who would be open about mental health and mental illness. Initially the response was slow. I started off by creating a community engagement questionnaire to guage local Black men’s views and experiences with mental health. I was disheartened by the lack of response. My heart sank further upon hearing that another fellow had created a similar survey for Southern California’s Latinex community and had garnered hundreds of responses, whereas at the same time, I’d only gotten two. I decided to trust the process, as people say, and go with whatever number I ended up with. While the response for my survey was fairly small, what came out of it was mighty.
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling has emerged as a potent tool for dismantling the stigma of mental illness. By sharing the stories of Black men who have bravely confronted their mental health struggles, we’re creating a space for open dialogue and understanding. These narratives challenge stereotypes, humanize the issue, and foster empathy. They demonstrate that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of courage and self-care.
For several of the men I featured in my series, it was the first time they’d spoken publicly about their mental health journeys. Building trust is essential in reporting on sensitive topics like mental health. I started off my conversations with the men I was featuring by letting them know that our sessions were non-judgemental spaces. Establishing that safe space was paramount to having them speak freely and honestly. I had to ask probing questions, but also listened with an empathetic ear.
During a group photo shoot, Damien Harris, a young man featured in my “Mind Games” story,.
who has had a number of unsuccessful suicide attempts, told another participant that he shared as much as he did because he felt that I honestly cared about him and what he’s gone through. My colleague, Jabari Rahotep, a part of our social media team, was inspired by the early stories coming out of the series to share his own experiences with a schizophrenia diagnosis that was later changed to bipolar disorder. Their willingness to be featured demonstrates the power of journalism to create platforms for these stories to be heard.
The Importance of Representation
Representation matters. Seeing individuals who look like you and share similar experiences can be incredibly empowering. When Black men see their stories reflected in the media, it validates their struggles and encourages them to seek help. It sends a powerful message that they are not alone.
The Impact of Trauma
Trauma, both individual and collective, plays a significant role in mental health. Anthony Graves shared his contuining struggles with overcoming disorders and childhood trauma.
Understanding the historical and ongoing experiences of trauma within the Black community is crucial for contextualizing mental health challenges. I intentially started off the Head Space series with an overview of the role of race in the mental healh space. Reporting on these issues can be triggering and requires sensitivity and an awareness of the potential for re-traumatization.
Six things I would encourage another reporter to adhere to when writing about taboo topics like mental health in the Black community:
1. Do your research. Before you start writing, educate yourself on the topic of mental health in the Black community. This includes understanding the historical and cultural context of mental health issues in the Black community, as well as the unique challenges that Black people face when it comes to accessing mental health care.
2. Build trust with your sources. It is important to build trust with your sources, especially when you are writing about sensitive topics like mental health. This means being respectful, empathetic and understanding. It also means being clear about your intentions and how you will use their information.
3. Center the Individual's Voice: Prioritize the individual's perspective and experiences. Let their voice be the driving force of the story. Use language that is sensitive and accurate.
4. Use language that is sensitive and accurate. Avoid using language that is stigmatizing or offensive. Use accurate and up-to-date language about mental health. Avoid sensationalizing or perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
5. Focus on solutions. Don't just focus on the problems; also focus on solutions. This could include highlighting resources for mental health care, or profiling people who are working to address mental health issues in the Black community.
6. Follow Up and Maintain Connection: Check in with the individual after the interview and publication to offer continued support and resources.
These strategies can help journalists create an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to share their mental health stories.
The Need for Culturally Relevant Resources
Access to culturally relevant mental health resources is essential. This includes therapists and counselors who understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black men. In-depth exploration of mental health must inlcude the state of culturally appropriate interventions and support systems that address the specific needs of the Black community.
Mental health is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It intersects with various aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Reporting should try to address that.
Reporting on Black men and mental health is not just about raising awareness; it's a call for action. It's about advocating for policy changes, increased funding for mental health services, and greater cultural competency within the healthcare system. It's about creating a society where seeking help for mental health challenges is normalized and encouraged.
My “Head Space” reporting sparked The Observer’s community engagement event, the “It's OK Brotha” Mental Health and Resource Fair,” held in June during National Men’s Mental Health Month.
The event drew in Sacramento County as a major sponsor and featured discussions, workshops and resources. Some of the men featured in the series acted as panelists and presenters. One of the vendors I met, Mykel Gayent, became the focus of a feature story I wrote during the fellowship’s aging focus, in which he shared his work with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental health, and the personal journey with mental health that prompted him to start his own non-profit to address stigma and older Black men’s mental health needs.
The “Head Space” series recently earned me recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists-NorCal, who presented with its 2024 Silver Heart board award.
The Ongoing Journey
The journey to address the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community is ongoing. It requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, families, communities, and institutions. As journalists, we have a responsibility to continue amplifying these voices, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for change. By doing so, we can contribute to a future where mental health is prioritized and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.