5 Ways Black Men Can Prioritize Their Physical & Mental Health
The death rate from suicide for black or African American men was four times greater than for African American women, in 2018. The mental health statistics around Black men are truly astounding. We are encouraging men, especially Black men to take care of their mind and bodies as we enter the fall season and especially all year round! Our health needs to be maintained physically, emotionally and mentally to truly have a productive and healthy lifestyle. And Black men, we want you around for a very long time to love and experience all the things you’re deserving of!
According to the CDC Black men have the lowest life expectancy and the highest death rate from specific causes. Those causes span from cancer to hypertension, with number one being heart disease.
Men?! When was the last time you scheduled an annual physical? According to a national survey done by the Cleveland Clinic, 46% of men said they were embarrassed, 40% said they felt uncomfortable, and 39% said they didn’t want to be judged when going to the doctor’s office. It can be a very nerve wracking experience to go to the doctor, especially if you don’t think they have your best interest in mind. Looking at Black doctor directories like Blackdoctor.org can help you find a doctor that not only looks like you, but understands your problems culturally and relevant to your life.
Along with keeping your physical health in order, it’s equally as important to keep your mental health in order as well.
According to this image, The top 5 Stressors for Black Men include Money, Racism, Career, Relationships & Family and Health. With the climate of our society right now, these stressors aren't very surprising. Black Americans are far more likely to be killed by the police than white people, and most are young males. Add that with the state of the economy, job security and the pandemic, Black men have a lot to worry about on their day to day basis more than other races right now.
Therapy can be of good use for black men. Even though the same reasons a lot of Black Men don’t go to therapy are the same reason they may not want to go to the doctor, it is important to prioritize your mental health so it doesn’t lead to even more problems that could hurt you physically or emotionally. Just like how finding a Black doctor is important for cultural awareness for the betterment of your health, a Black Therapist can be beneficial to Black men as well. Places like Therapyforblackmen.org can help guide you to a therapist that can share experiences, life stories and struggles to truly connect and help you in your mental health journey.
So with all this information, some ways you can truly prioritize your physical and mental health can include
1. Scheduling a doctor’s appointment! It may be scary or uncomfortable for you, but the return is so much greater compared to the possible risks of not going.
2. Being kinder to yourself. With the state of the world right now, there is no need to be so hard on yourself. Black men can feel the need or urge to have a lot of roles in their lifetime. Know that you are doing your best, and that’s all that matters!
3. Finding a therapist. Therapy is a good all around way to prioritize your mental and even physical. Talking about your feelings isn’t easy, however it’s much better to talk to someone about how you feel rather than keeping it in.
4. Indulge in self-care. A lot of the time Self-Care practices cater to women, but Men please know that you can indulge too! What makes you happy? What calms you down? Do that! Participate in the things that bring you the most joy as often as you can.
5. Utilize your resources! Special thanks to Choosing Therapy, a HON-certified mental health website dedicated to educating people about mental health topics and helping those who need it find a therapist. They were grateful enough to share some resources specific to this article!
Choosing Therapy's Therapist Directory: Our directory includes a filter to find therapists who specialize in BIPOC issues, as well as therapists who identify as BIPOC themselves. It’s a valuable tool for anyone in the BIPOC community seeking professional help.
Best Online Therapy Services: This article is written by our resident therapy service expert, Caitlin Bell, who has spent hundreds of hours reviewing dozens of therapy platforms.
Best Online Psychiatrist Options: For those who may need medication management in addition to therapy, we have also gathered a list of the best online psychiatry services, written by Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist.
So Black men, let’s attempt these tips this season and live the lifestyle you deserve!