LA Men Tackle Black Mental Health Head-On

In a world where discussions about mental health for Black men can often be dismissive or even harmful, a powerful initiative is taking root in Los Angeles. A dedicated group of 15 Black men meets bi-weekly, creating a vital space for mutual support and open dialogue as they navigate the unique pressures of being a Black man in America.

From Personal Tragedy to Collective Support

This impactful group, known as ‘Mental Health Is Real Wealth,’ was founded in 2022 by 37-year-old Desmond Carter. Carter’s inspiration stemmed from a deeply personal tragedy: the suicide of his best friend, who had battled schizophrenic depression for years. Reflecting on his friend’s struggle, Carter noticed how many peers, despite appearing outwardly successful and happy, carried immense emotional burdens.

“I see so many of my peers and people who look like me walking around, fly, cool, fresh with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and acting like they are just fine,” Carter shared. His experience highlighted a critical gap: the silent struggles often hidden beneath a facade of strength.

Challenging Stereotypes and Societal Pressures

The mental health challenges faced by Black men are often caught between being ignored and being unfairly pathologized, especially in online spaces. Disturbing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that suicide is the third leading cause of death for Black male adolescents and young adults, underscoring the urgency of this issue.

Psychologist Lance Lenford points out that the pandemic has reshaped how Black Millennials and Gen X men perceive the ‘American Dream.’ For generations, traditional markers of manhood—education, marriage, homeownership—were emphasized. However, as these pathways become increasingly disrupted, many Black men are collectively re-evaluating their roles within patriarchal structures.

Lenford describes this as a period of figuring out “how to be and how to exist in this – just to be frank – in this white world that we’re in while trying to spread our own wings.” This often leads to a conflict between the expected role of provider and the internal struggle of feeling lost or overwhelmed, creating a “duality” of presenting strength while falling apart internally.

A Gateway to Healing

Wayne Bennett, president of Mental Health is Wealth and a corporate wellness consultant, notes that these tensions can be a powerful catalyst for Black men to seek therapy, many for the first time. “A lot of the men talk about being depressed or not having any type of leadership growing up and just kind of having to figure things out on their own,” Bennett explained. “A lot of the men may have never been to therapy before, so this is a great gateway to going into therapy.”

The social construct of masculinity, heavily influenced by the experiences of Black men under patriarchy, is ripe for renegotiation. As Dr. Nick Battle emphasizes, it’s crucial for Black men to challenge these societal norms and redefine masculinity in ways that are affirming and empowering. By embracing self-awareness, responsibility, and community, Black men can work towards liberation and break free from the damaging effects of patriarchy.

• A group called ‘Mental Health Is Real Wealth’ meets bi-weekly in Los Angeles.
• Founded by Desmond Carter after his friend’s suicide, the group offers support to Black men.
• Statistics show suicide is a leading cause of death for young Black men.
• The group addresses the pressures of traditional masculinity and societal expectations.
• It serves as a crucial gateway for men seeking mental health support and therapy.