Written by Nishagie Hettiarachchi
Edited by Jocelyn Nguyen
February is Black History Month. What does that signify?
Black History Month is reserved for the annual celebrations of African American achievements. It’s a time to recognize the central role African Americans have played in the growth of the United States. Many see it as the chance to learn more about the long and often difficult history of the nation’s black history.
The theme for Black History Month in 2021 is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” It mainly focuses on the dispersion of African Americans across the United States.
Graphic made by Ori Nguyen, from Arts for Relief
Mental Health and Statistics
One in four African Americans has a mental illness. Compared to the 40 percent of white individuals, only 25 percent of African Americans seek treatment for a mental health issue. This is often due to misdiagnosis by doctors and the lack of African American mental health professionals. African American teenagers are 8.3% likely to attempt suicide, compared to the 6.2% of white teenagers. African American children are also more likely to be exposed to violence compared to other children, which can harm their mental health. African Americans living below poverty are three times more likely to report severe psychological distress than those living above poverty.
During the summer of 2020, protests occurred all throughout the nation following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man. Many other deaths of black individuals were remembered involving police brutality. The African American population felt the “mental burden,” as described by Psych Associates of Maryland, and reports of poor mental health began to increase.
Healthcare, Education, and the Workplace
“Implicit bias can prevent physicians from giving BIPOC patients the care they need." According to the CDC, certain POC socioeconomic groups were found to be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to white U.S. citizens. Due to issues with poverty and lack of financial aid for low-income black families, mental and physical issues are a large problem. Black and POC workers are likely to be victims of racial attacks in the workplace according to Psych Associates of Maryland. Discrimination is also common for the younger African American community in schools. Although COVID-19 increased distance learning, school place harassment and violence are still being inflicted upon younger black individuals.
What to take away from this month
More than ever, we need to support those who may be struggling due to systematic and blatant racism in our communities. Remember to take time to learn a little bit of why this month is historically significant to our nation, and to check in on friends and family if they are struggling or need a helping hand.
SOURCES:
Mental Health Resources for the Black Communities:
Comments