Mental Health And Black History Month: History And Pioneers In Mental Health

Black History Month generally centers on Black Americans' history and current efforts in the Black community to fight for equity, fairness, and anti-racism. An aspect of Black history and current efforts involves mental health, as access to mental health resources for Black Americans can be challenging due to stigmas, racism, and other forms of oppression. Learning about the development of Black History Month from a mental health lens may be a way to honor this month and begin advocating for improved resources and support. One avenue to receive accessible and compassionate mental health care may be through an online therapy platform.

The history and significance of Black History Month 

Black History Month was started in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a scholar who believed Black history was largely ignored in American society. After founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, Woodson aimed to teach others about history, publishing the Journal of Negro History, which is now called the Journal of African American History. 

In 1926, Black History Month was called “Negro History Week,” and it occurred in the second week of February in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This week unofficially evolved into Black History Month in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement and has been federally recognized since 1976 by every American president, including Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States. 

Respectful ways to honor Black History Month

No matter who you are and from what background you come, there may be ways to honor Black History Month respectfully, including the following. 

Support Black-owned businesses

Supporting Black-owned businesses can increase their public visibility and allow you to give back to the Black community and Americans of African descent. Below are a few tips for donating to or supporting Black-owned businesses: 

• Don’t assume what a business might need from you; ask questions about how you can help. 
• Be intentional about your efforts.
• Share your support on social media in a way that encourages others to support local businesses or Black creators.
• Continue to support Black businesses after Black History Month. 
• Write positive reviews for Black-owned businesses in your area.
• Donate to Black organizations that are currently fighting for equity and equality. 
• Don’t make supporting Black-owned businesses about you or your allyship unless you are part of the BIPOC community. 
• Sponsor Black-owned businesses if you have a business or want to work side-by-side with other organizations. 

Engage with media from Black creators

Black writers, filmmakers, songwriters, artists, and other creators can be censored on social media and through racist algorithms. By engaging with media online, sharing it with friends, and continuing to follow these creators, you may boost their visibility online. For example, you might listen to and share music from Robert Johnson, a Black songwriter and blues musician. In addition, you can share social media posts from Black artists and writers. 

You may also support Black creators by purchasing their art or services. During Black History Month, museums or art galleries in your area may showcase Black work. You may also try visiting the National Museum of African American History or a local museum to learn more about African American History Month from artifacts, writers, and museum curators with African roots. 

Attend local events 

You can attend virtual and physical events for Black History Month in 2024. The Black History Month Virtual Festival occurs in February of 2024 online and involves programming surrounding the 2024 theme of African Americans and the Arts. If you live in Washington, DC, you can also purchase tickets for the 2024 Black History Month Festival Luncheon. 

The physical celebration of the Black History Month Festival will also occur in Washington, DC. Other cities also hold festivals, including the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival and the 15th annual Black History Month Festival by Springs Preserve.

Mental health in focus for Black History Month

An aspect of Black History that may sometimes be ignored is mental health. Many Black pioneers paved the way to support the mental health of Black and BIPOC communities in the present. Below are ways to focus on mental health in February and year-round. 

Learn about mental health statistics for Black Americans

Mental health statistics for Black Americans can be drastically different from those of other categories. According to Mental Health America, “Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism—structural, institutional, and individual—and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities, including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black Americans (especially Black women) tend to be more likely to experience feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than other populations. 

With approximately 16% of all Black and African American people experiencing a mental illness in the last year, access to mental health resources can be crucial. In addition, suicide risk and substance use can be increased in Black populations, so suicide prevention efforts can also be essential in these communities. 

Access hotlines and resources as a Black or BIPOC American 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

If you would prefer to speak to a BIPOC crisis counselor, you can call or text BlackLine at 1-800-604-5841 for peer support, resources, and affirmation. They are trained to support those struggling with mental health concerns, hate crimes, BLM-related concerns, police brutality, prison advocacy, and referrals. These individuals work from a Black feminine lens and prioritize BIPOC individuals calling for support. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Learn about Black mental health pioneers 

Several pioneers in mental health have frequently been overlooked in discussions about Black History. Below are some of these individuals and the contributions they’ve made: 

• Bebe Moore Campbell: Bebe Moore Campbell was an author and mental health advocate for the Black community. She founded a NAMI branch in Inglewood to create a space for Black Americans to reach out for support. After her death, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was named in her honor.
• Kitch Childs, Ph.D.: Dr. Childs founded the Association for Women in Psychology and was one of the founders of the Gay Liberation Front in Chicago. She was a therapist providing support to LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients from her community. 
• Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D.: Dr. Sumner was the first Black man in the US to get a degree in psychology. He graduated from Howard University and headed their psychology department. 
• Inez Beverly Prosser, Ph.D.: Dr. Prosser was the first Black woman in the US to get a Ph.D. in psychology. She wrote her dissertation on segregation and racial inequality and their impacts on self-esteem. 
• Beverly Greene, Ph.D.: Dr. Greene pioneered intersectional psychology focused on the connections between LGBTQIA+ identity, racism, oppression, and mental health. She received the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association of Women in Psychology in 2008. 

There are many other pioneers in mental health, so studying these individuals and their impacts can be a way to honor Black History Month. 

Check out mental health resources for Black Americans 

Many organizations are dedicated to bringing mental health support and resources to BIPOC Americans and Black communities. Below are some of these resources to consider or donate to: 

• The OKRA Project 
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
• The Black Organization for Leadership & Dignity 
• The Black Mental Health Alliance
• The Center for Black Educator Development
• The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition
• Xceleader
• Black Lives Matter 

These resources are also supported by mental health platforms like BetterHelp, which partner with these organizations to offer discounted or low-cost therapy to those in need. 

Support options 

Caring for mental health can be important and just as crucial as physical healthcare. However, some people may avoid attending in-person therapy due to cost, fears about discrimination, or a lack of access to mental health resources. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

Benefits of online therapy

In general, you can set your preferences for a therapist through an online platform upon signing up. If you would be more comfortable talking to a BIPOC therapist, you can simply select this option before getting matched. In addition, you can access resources like support groups on topics with which you connect, such as mental health challenges for BIPOC individuals. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies show that online therapy can be effective. In one study, online interventions were more effective than in-person therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing the quality of life for participants. In addition, the study found that online therapy was typically more affordable for clients.