T’Keyah Jones, IPS Employment Specialist
As we celebrate Black History Month this year, I am grateful to the Black trailblazers who have created spaces for us to discuss mental health, emphasizing that it is nothing to be ashamed of. We face a challenging battle, especially with generational mindsets, but I believe that things will improve.
Mental health remains a taboo subject in the Black community, as discussing it can be perceived as a sign that we don’t have it all together, which contradicts what we may believe.
For many, the initial avoidance and rejection of mental health conversations stem from emotional reactions. Our culture has witnessed the struggles of Black individuals throughout history, and we’ve learned to adapt and persevere through various hardships, including racism, discrimination, and generational pain and anger. However, can we truly say we’re coping in a healthy way?
Additionally, the stress of seeking, obtaining, and maintaining employment complicates these challenges. We need jobs to pay bills (including student loans), purchase necessities, and save for the future. As a result, many individuals apply and interview for jobs often feeling anxious, while some disqualify themselves because they believe they may not fit the status quo for a particular position or think they are not the ideal candidate.
