Black LGBTQ+ mental health has never been a cause of interest, especially in Africa. This is due to a couple of reasons. First, mental health problems have never really been acknowledged in most Black communities. It is far more common to associate mental health issues with weakness, demonic possession, and other unsavoury assumptions. Second, LGBTQ+ people continue to face high levels of discrimination and even violence. They are never acknowledged or accepted as equal members of the community. This definitely complicates matters for Black LGBTQ+ mental health on two major fronts.
Challenges Of Black LGBTQ+ Mental Health In Africa
Discrimination
LGBTQ+ people in Africa are exposed to large-scale discrimination from fellow citizens, organizations and even the government. Oppressive laws are usually enacted to further marginalize them in an already unsafe society. Families and friends of LGBTQ+ people have also been known to abandon them after they find out about them. This all-around discrimination can effectively increase the chances of LGBTQ people in Africa to develop different mental health complications. Discrimination can cause it and worsen it. It almost looks like a death trap from which there is no escape.
Lack Of Access To Mental Health Resources
Even when LGBTQ+ people suffer from mental health illnesses, it is very difficult to access mental health resources. There aren’t a lot of mental health facilities in these Black communities. This is a result of the communities’ attitude towards mental health issues. However, the very few that do exist are more likely going to turn LGBTQ+ people away. And when they don’t, they may not provide them with help tailored to their struggles. Black LGBTQ+ mental health challenges can be fundamentally different from the mental health challenges of other groups. This is because their experiences and struggles are different. The attitudes prevalent in society make it difficult for them to fully access mental health resources that will help them.
The Role of Community In Improving Black LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Supportive Networks
On the outside, the Black LGBTQ+ community may face abandonment and discrimination. However, within the community itself, a heavy support network is being built to improve Black LGBTQ+ mental health. From as little as friends’ groups to larger support groups, these networks have made it possible for Black LGBTQ+ people to receive mental health support. Volunteers within the community take up assignments to help LGBTQ+ people with mental illnesses through their struggles. This aid comes in ways of therapy, moderating support groups, follow-up sessions, etc. These supportive networks provide a breath of fresh air in an environment that is hostile to Black LGBTQ+ mental health.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations
Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in activism across Black communities, especially with regard to LGBTQ+ rights. This has led to the formation of several LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. These organizations have also received funding from charities and other individuals. Their work has been to challenge existing biases against LGBTQ+ people as well as discriminatory laws and policies that make life difficult for them. They have also used several legal avenues to represent, free and fight for LGBTQ+ who face legal challenges as a result of their identities or sexuality. The role of these organizations has been central in the fight to see liberated LGBTQ+ communities. We already highlighted the oppressive system as one of the leading causes of mental health decline among LGBTQ+ people. It is, therefore, logical to expect that things will get better if these organizations succeed.
The Importance Of Self-Care For Mental Wellness
Mindfulness And Meditation Practices
Regardless of ongoing external efforts to improve their mental health, Black LGBTQ+ people are increasingly pursuing inner peace. They engage in mindfulness and meditation practices in order to alleviate themselves from the inside and improve their moods. Meditation and mindfulness have been proven to be helpful in combating mental health issues, according to studies.
Artistic Expression As Therapy For Black LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Many LGBTQ+ people take up art as a way to express themselves. This can act as therapy for their mental health. Studies have shown that singing, painting, dancing, etc., can help relieve emotional stress and regulate mood. Therefore, this is great for Black LGBTQ+ mental health.
Building A Future For Black LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Education And Awareness
Some progress is indeed being made, but it’s barely enough to make a lot of difference. The future of Black LGBTQ+ mental health lies in how much is invested in mental health education and awareness as time goes on. People need to be aware of mental health issues, especially in Black communities where matters of mental health are easily dismissed and mostly not acknowledged. Education and awareness are, therefore, important in order to change mindsets around mental health issues. Also, more focus needs to be given to advocacy and enlightenment programs to encourage more acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. This will go a long way to decrease their chances of being discriminated against, which usually worsens their mental health.
