For Joshua Grace, an African American student at the University of Southern Mississippi, mental wellness begins with simple acts.
“Going outside, speaking to my loved ones and reading, all those things help,” Grace shared. “Sometimes even trying new hobbies or getting out of your environment can break the pattern you’re stuck in.”
But growing up, Grace faced barriers to expressing his emotions. “You know, ‘Black men can’t cry’, that saying was very prevalent in my family, especially with my dad.”
Even students like Macy Campbell, an African American student at Southern University, say they were raised to suppress their emotions.
“People in my community always said, ‘You gotta suck it up’” said Campbell. “But sometimes a lot of people can’t suck it up. It’ll get to a point where it’s too much for them.”
However, Campbell finds a more conventional way to deal with mental health.
“I go to therapy,” said Campbell, who started attending sessions just two years ago. “It helps me with figuring out different patterns I will be facing whenever I have really bad anxiety or overthinking.”
Their stories reflect a broader issue: the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. Cultural expectations often discourage vulnerability, leaving many suffering in silence. Yet, their journeys highlight the importance of finding new ways to combat mental health stigma.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, 21% of African Americans report mental health issues, yet only 39% receive mental health services. This is especially concerning given that Black individuals are 20% times more likely to experience serious mental health problems.
Grace believes this disparity contributes to Black voices being overlooked.
“I feel like there’s a big disadvantage for Black people, especially Black men,” said Grace. “If a Black man really expresses how he feels, he’s going to be viewed as aggressive, or something is wrong with him. There’s been a lot of times where a Black man would be going through something and he’ll be ridiculed.”
Socioeconomic factors further complicate access to care. In 2020, more than 10% of Black adults in the U.S. had no form of health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These barriers contribute to worse mental health outcomes.
As the conversation around mental health evolves, student-led initiatives are reshaping the narrative. At the University of Southern Mississippi, USM Neuro is one such organization making mental health discussions more accessible and empowering.
“We help foster mental wealth,” said Hilawe Tibebe, a member of the organization. “It’s a safe place for students to express the issues on their minds with their own community.”
USM Neuro uses creative outreach, like podcasts and weekly campus check-ins, to break down stigma and encourage open dialogue.
“We hit them with one or two questions about the struggles of their week,” said Tibebe. “I believe it’s a great way to show students that mental health doesn’t always have to be a tough conversation.”
These efforts are helping more people feel seen and supported. Grace encourages others to speak up.
“Find the source of your problem and talk to someone. That person can be your mom, dad or even a therapist,” said Grace. “Just do anything to help your mind get off of it, because I know reaching and speaking out helped me.”
Still, Campbell sees a better future for her community.
“I feel like now, especially in my generation, people are seeing therapy as a good thing compared to the older generation,” said Campbell. “Back then they wouldn’t even believe in going to the doctor for real. So, I know therapy is getting better in my community.”
By challenging cultural stigmas, embracing therapy and fostering open dialogue, individuals are paving the way for a future where mental wellness is prioritized and normalized in communities where it was once handled in silence. As more voices speak out and resources expand, the path to healing becomes clearer, and more accessible for future generations.