According to the American Psychological Association, Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress compared to white adultsThe world is evolving rapidly, and with it, the challenges facing the Black community continue to grow. From economic struggles and social justice movements to the lingering effects of the pandemic and health disparities, the need for prioritizing mental wellness has never been more critical.
Historically, discussions about mental health have often been avoided in Black households due to stigma, cultural expectations, and limited access to resources. However, as society shifts, so must our approach to mental wellness.
Breaking the Stigma
For generations, resilience has been deeply ingrained in Black culture—pushing through struggles without acknowledging the emotional and psychological toll. Seeking therapy was often viewed as a weakness rather than a necessary step toward healing.
Dr. Crawford, former Director of the Center for Multicultural Mental Health at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, notes that mental health services are becoming more accepted within the Black community. However, he emphasizes that there is still work to be done.
"Over the years, mental health care has become more de-stigmatized in our community. I’m not sure if our kids fully understand how beneficial it can be, but access to mental health professionals is improving. My family has used mental health services, and I’ve encouraged my sons to do the same. It’s important to expose our children to these resources early on," said Dr. Crawford.
He also reminds individuals that therapy is a process and that finding the right therapist may take time.
"Just because one therapist isn’t the right fit doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you. Like any profession, there are good and not-so-good practitioners. The key is to keep looking until you find the right support," he added.
The Impact of Racial Trauma on Mental Health
Systemic racism continues to create unique mental health burdens for Black individuals. Experiences such as microaggressions, workplace discrimination, and racially charged violence on social media contribute to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.
According to research from the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia, African American college students at predominantly white institutions who experience racial discrimination are more likely to develop sleep disturbances—just one of the many ways racism affects mental and physical well-being.
Dr. Crawford, who has worked as a forensic psychologist in prisons and courts, saw firsthand how systemic inequities impacted Black individuals.
"I saw so many people who looked like me coming through the system. I made an effort to ensure the playing field was leveled—to make sure they received all the rights due to them and got the support they needed," he explained.
Dr. Crawford’s Three Keys to Mental Wellness
1. Be True to Yourself
"The most important thing we can do is recognize our own triggers. Each of us has a personal threshold, and we must ensure we don’t exceed it. We need to acknowledge what sets us off and work to manage those triggers before they spiral out of control," said Dr. Crawford.
2. No One Can Carry the World Alone
"We have to be honest about what we’re carrying. We can support others in their journey, but we also have limits," he emphasized.
Dr. Crawford uses a powerful analogy:
"If someone can’t swim and you jump in the water to save them without a plan, you risk drowning too. That doesn’t mean you can’t help—it just means you must do so wisely. Throw them a life preserver instead of sinking with them."
3. You Are Stronger Than You Think
"To mobilize our strength, we first have to acknowledge that we have it. I have friends I can talk to. I am not afraid to go to therapy if I need to. I read about how others deal with stress. And I reflect on my own life—on how I’ve overcome challenges before," Dr. Crawford shared.
"We don’t give ourselves enough credit for what we’ve endured and overcome. When stress starts piling up, it’s important to recognize it and take action. Instead of escalating the situation, we must find ways to de-escalate and regain control."
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
For the Black community to thrive, mental wellness must be prioritized just as much as physical health.
"There are good people in this country who don’t look like us," Dr. Crawford acknowledged. "But institutionally, so much has been done to prevent us from being here today. Yet—we are still here. That alone speaks to a strength many never expected us to have. And that strength will continue to carry us forward."
Take Care of Your Mind Like You Take Care of Your Body
Dr. Crawford stressed that we must value the importance of emotional health. He stated that it’s essential to prioritize mental wellness, seek support, and embrace the healing process. Whether through therapy, community, faith, or personal reflection, we must take charge of our mental well-being—because strength isn’t just about enduring pain. True strength is knowing when to seek help.
