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Guy R.
Mental Health Month in May is ending soon, but it's important to continue supporting trauma survivors and recognizing the mental health needs of Black men all year round. Trauma is a major issue for Black males, but they are less likely to seek mental health services. Pamela Coleman self-published a book called "Unspoken: It's Okay, Not to Be Okay" to provide a platform for African American males to share their experiences with mental health. The book includes personal stories, advice, and poetry. Contributors like Yonder and Stan Harrison hope the book will help Black men feel safe discussing mental health and seeking help. They encourage everyone, especially those who interact with Black men, to read the book and learn how to support them. Mental health is a year-round discussion that should not be ignored.
Mental Health Month in May will end soon, but increased trauma support and improved recognition of Black men’s mental health needs should continue throughout the year.
“Trauma has been identified as a major public health and medical issue, and Black males ages 18 and older are at a noticeably high risk for trauma exposure,” according to the CDC.
“Black Males, Trauma, and Mental Health Service Use: A Systematic Review,” an abstract that was shared by the National Library of Medicine, stated that “Black male trauma survivors were significantly less likely to be utilizing mental health services than other sex-ethnic groups.”
Black men are not unfeeling supermen. They need to heal, too.
Pamela Coleman, a resident of Virginia, underscores this reality. She self-published “Unspoken: It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay” this month while providing a platform for 26 African American males to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences with mental health. The book is intended to be read by African American males and individuals who want to read it and share valuable information with a loved one.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Pamela Coleman
“Mental health for men is a difficult subject. It is a harder subject when it comes to the African American male. Throughout history, the African American male has been groomed to not show emotion. They are not supposed to ask for help. They have been raised to shoulder the burden of the family and be head of household,” said Coleman.
Coleman mentioned the diverse work backgrounds of the male writers. They include a schoolteacher; assistant principal; TikTok influencers; men who work in corporate America; authors and physical trainers.
The visionary explained that a portion of the stories the men share in the book were personal reflections. Others provided written advice or poetry to young men of color.
Coleman, who is a mental abuse survivor, knows first-hand what it is like to desire help and not know how to ask for it, or where to go to find it. She has hosted two men’s mental awareness seminars in Virginia and Illinois. Her goal is to hold a men’s seminar in every state. Coleman added that mental health is a year-round discussion.
Yonder, a Florida-based writer who originally hails from Washington, DC, participated in the anthology.
Photo credit: Freddi T. Lane
“I wrote a poem and some thoughts that were close to my heart. It was time to release them from my soul,” said Yonder.
He added, “I don’t feel Black men feel safe to discuss mental health. In the past, currently, and in the future, those needs have been suppressed because of labeling. Once you reveal that you have a mental issue, society as a whole looks at you and treats you differently.”
Yonder remarked that participating in the project gave him hope that someday soon, we can have the freedom to address this issue.
According to Yonder, women can read the book and gain insight into what is going on in a man’s mind to help and love him. He also wants men to realize that seeking help from others is permissible, as well as praying, and sharing their feelings.
“I feel that being a contributor to this great piece of work, it will be invaluable to many souls. It [The anthology] will save them from suicide and abandonment of the family,” Yonder also stated.
Stan Harrison, another contributor to “Unspoken: It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay,” works in the insurance and financial industry.
The Floridian penned a mental health story about two brothers and a friend while showing how growing up Black men have specific needs such as affirmation and the need for community involvement.
“Everyone should read this book, particularly those who have any dealings with Black men,” said Harrison.
He advised others to read the book to determine if a story or article applies to their lives or someone they know.
“Learn from what you read and recognize some of the triggers, so that you are better equipped to help [a Black man],” Harrison said.
He advises that Black men should not fear approaching the mental health topic.
“Hiding is not the answer. Find someone to talk with and be honest about whatever is going on. There are countless programs that can assist. Sometimes, just having someone to talk with is the best therapy. In addition, I would suggest bringing your friendships and loved ones closer by discussing these matters with them,” said Harrison.
Visit https://a.co/d/cWvJHQS to learn more about “Unspoken: It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay!”