Allow me to introduce myself: My name among most of the circles I navigate is Ron. There are some that refer to me as Uncle Ron, some call me Daddy Ron and some call me Boss. In my association with Onyx GL, I am Grio Onyx. I’m Black, Queer and some call me an Elder. I like to think of it as seasoned.
In my non sexual life (if there is such a thing ), I’m a retired Social Worker/Therapist, having worked in the field for 37+ years in a variety of positions from direct service to executive. Through it all I maintained a small private practice and the thing that sticks out for me more than anything else is that in 30 years of seeing patients I can count on one hand the number of BIPoC folx I saw in my practice. Before assumptions are made as to why, I’ll tell you that my colleagues in the field had the same experience. The only situations where that wasn’t true was through my work with the legal system or through Employee Assistance programs where people were usually referred by their supervisor(s) for work related issues. This problem was exacerbated by the fact that I was usually the sole Black clinician in many of the places I worked. As well as there being less than a few BIPoC Therapists.
Historically there is a pattern of BIPoC folx avoiding medical care because of distrust of the system. Whether it was stories passed down about poor treatment at the hands of racist providers or lack of access to quality care, BIPoC have been reluctant to seek assistance with a variety of issues and one of the most telling and impactful on the individual and the community is Mental Health. Given the current state of our country as well as the historical disenfranchisement of BIPoC citizens, it is imperative that we evolve our views on Mental Health.
In recent years there’s been a significant number of studies conducted that explore the impact of Racism on the BIPoc population. Racial Trauma is real and defined as the emotional response to stress caused by racism and racial discrimination. It can stem from a single event or the cumulative impact of ongoing experiences. It can be direct, experiencing it directly on a personal level or it can be vicarious where it is observed or witnessed. One important finding in the studies is how generational racial trauma gets passed along and how important it is to break the cycle, process and then heal from the impact of the trauma.
Racial Trauma and PTSD have similar symptoms. I’m not sure why they differentiate between the two since trauma, regardless of the source lends itself to PTSD. My opinion is it’s a reflection of how our society is reluctant to acknowledge how deeply people are impacted by racism and somehow we’re supposed to “just get over it”. If it were only that simple. When anxiety, fear, anger, confusion, disappointment and sadness are every day companions, it impacts not only how individuals view the world, it impacts how individuals view themselves. This is why it’s imperative to tend to our Mental Health.
July is BIPoC Mental Health Month, which given the current climate seems to have slipped under the radar, or it was erased like they’re attempting to do with our history. Much of the primary reason for its creation is how we can make the mental health systems that are not designed for us more user friendly. However, changing systems is an ever slow process and people’s emotional needs are much more immediate. There are ways that we can collectively and individually address our mental health.
First, it’s important to call a thing what it is. If you experience racism or any other types of diminishing behavior, call it out. It’s empowering!
Second, find or create a supportive, affirming community. Back in the day The Elders would ask at family reunions “who are your people? That is a question to continually ask yourself. You change and what you need from people changes so it’s important to check in with yourself to assess and adjust accordingly.
Third, remember that your emotions are there to help you experience this multi-layered, multi-textured thing called life. They are your barometer that gives you information about what is happening around you as well as what is happening within you. Trust them.
Fourth, it is important and healthy to rest. Rest is restorative and healing. Many times as BIPoC people, we’re taught to keep pushing and striving. It’s important to step away from that at times and experience joy. Figuring out what that looks like for you can be fun, revealing and ultimately rewarding. It is also empowering.
While I’m listing this as the fifth one, it actually needs to be at the top of the list. It is okay to ask for help. We’re taught there’s strength in stoicism when there’s actually much more strength in being vulnerable. If you don’t have people in your life who are capable of supporting you, it’s okay to seek that in a professional setting. There are now BIPoC counselors and therapists who specialize in race and trauma focused counseling and interventions. If you’re unsure about their availability in your area most counselors now offer a virtual option for sessions. Make sure to check with your insurance to see if the services as well as the provider are part of their network. If that service isn’t accessible for you, look for local support groups. If there are no local support groups, consider starting one. It’s pretty much guaranteed that there are others out there that are feeling the same way and would welcome the opportunity to get and receive support in these chaotic times.
Remember, it isn’t necessarily your job to change the world but it is your job to change your world.