Black Mental Health Conversations, Resources, and Organizations

Editor’s Note: Some of these stories contain details of self-harm.

Date December 14, 2022, and Death of Steven “Twitch” Boss has just been confirmed. The Boss has gained popularity nationally with popular shows such as “So you think you can dance” And “The Ellen Show.

You read the comments on social networks and they all sing the same tune: “He gave so much joy, he loved his family, he just wrote …“ How could you miss this?

During Black History Month, this project explores just that; a pain that is often hidden and a conversation that is often left behind: how black men mentally survive in a world that expects them to be strong 100% of the time.

Through the stories of a therapist, a priest, entrepreneurs, and a professional dancer, we hope to shed light on silent battles, the struggle to find resources, and what it means to hold space and build community for black men.

The next story “Black MENTal Health” will be broadcast on Wednesday, February 15, and every following Wednesday morning this month at 6 am at dawn.

Family Therapist and Mental Health Expert Jay Barnett entered the set with a larger personality. He was just back from a business trip for his brand. Just get well bro — an initiative aimed at black men that takes him across the country discussing the power of vulnerability and other coping mechanisms for mental health.

The first thing you notice about Barnett is his confidence. As a former professional athlete, you would expect him to have this trait, but according to him, it took years to develop it and fully believe in it.

He recalled one of the moments when he was at his lowest point: “Ten years ago I tried to commit suicide for the second time and my godmother found me under the bed.”

“For most people, it’s an acknowledgment that they need help,” Barnett said. “And it’s difficult, especially for men and men of color, because there’s a perception that you have to be strong.”

Barnett admitted that he had to restructure a lot of his thinking.

“And when you are a black athlete, you have no room for vulnerability, because vulnerability is also a sign of weakness towards your opponent,” he shared.

Due to the intersection of his personal life and career, Barnett taught a great lesson that he learned.“One of the misconceptions that people have about people who are struggling with suicide… they think they want to end their lives, but they just want to end the pain.”

According to Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the death rate from suicide among black men is four times higher than among black women. And what is even more staggering is the speed at which black youths are trying to kill themselves. In 2019, the number of reported suicide attempts by high school students (12%) exceeded the national average (9%).

Barnett said that in the field of mental health: “demand outweighs solution because there aren’t enough black male therapists interacting with younger men.”

But he doesn’t want the community to give up. His own path to healing began by seeking professional help, writing down his feelings, and now he is passing on what he has learned.

“I think if we can’t just create space, but hold space for men when they’re really sharing and allow them to share their roles and peers without judgment, that’s the key,” Barnett said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this can help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255; Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. You can also text “START” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. If you prefer not to use your phone, consider visiting www.crisischat.org.

Dallas County Commissioner for District 3 John Wylie Price said the Dallas Independent School District leads the nation in mental health resources for teens. Dallas ISD has deployed more than 270 consultants and clinicians to provide direct access to health care, which is usually free, says Wylie Price.

There are several initiatives in North Texas that provide mental health resources: