There is a critical need for community advocates to understand the mental health needs of Black or African American (BA) men and the hesitancy in regard to accessing mental health services. Traditional, western masculinity powerfully influences how BA men perceive mental health struggles and vice versa, how reaching out for help and support affects an individual is perceived as being a man. Racial discrimination, marginalization and institutional oppression need to be taken into account when exploring mental health among BA men, especially in how these experiences interact with the enactment of masculinity. There is a great need for those who work with BA men to be aware of the mental health trends of this population, and the sociopolitical dynamics in the United States that contribute to them, equipped to effectively employ gender-adapted strategies with BA men, and familiar with evidenced-based approaches for promoting BA men's health and wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive.
TopIntroduction
There is a critical need for counselors, researchers, educators, community leaders and advocates, and policymakers to understand the mental health needs of Black or African American (BA) men and the hesitancy in regard to accessing mental health services. Traditional, Western masculinity powerfully influences how BA men perceive mental health struggles and vice versa, how reaching out for help and support affects an individual is perceived as being a man. As if these issues weren’t complex enough, racial discrimination, marginalization and institutional oppression need to be considered when exploring mental health among BA men, especially in how these experiences interact with the enactment of masculinity. The intersection of adherence to traditional masculine norms and exposure to racial injustice has contributed to several alarming health disparities among BA men. There is a great need for those who work with BA men to be aware of the mental health trends of this population, and the sociopolitical dynamics in the United States that contribute to them, equipped to effectively employ gender-adapted strategies with BA men, and familiar with evidenced-based approaches for promoting BA men’s health and wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive.
In this chapter, evidence covering trends in men’s physical and mental health, and specifically BA men’s physical and mental health in the United States will be explored. Contributors to those concerning physical and mental health trends that are unique to BA men will be discussed not exhaustively, but with enough information so that the reader is aware of the sociopolitical and economic realities that affect BA men’s stress, presentation of mental illness, opportunities for treatment, and overall perception of thriving in a system that has historically disadvantaged them. The chapter will conclude with a case study and in-depth discussion of how a culturally responsive and gender adapted approach may be successfully applied.