(ThyBlackMan.com) There an issue in the black community that we don’t like to talk about- mental illness. It has become a kind of taboo amongst black folks, and it is a shame because having a real conversation about the subject serves as a benefit. For this reason and so many more, we have to talk about it.
Most people may not realize it, but we have seen prime examples of the devastating effects of mental illness on black people in the media, particularly when it comes to African American men. While most onlookers consider the antics of Kanye West and Katt Williams as entertainment, their behavior is so much deeper. Here are some things to consider.
Kanye West is known to be pompous, arrogant and somewhat delusional, but during his past Twitter rants, he has revealed mental
instability that needs to be addressed. Even one of his long time collaborators said, plainly, that he needs help. I believe that the biggest factor to his meltdown has been the loss of his mother. I don’t think he ever really death with it. We don’t always handle death in the most productive way. We suppress it; we try to forget about it, but we don’t talk about how he affects us. Kanye lost the closest person to him, and he has never been the same.
Katt Williams is another example of the dire need to address mental illness. In the past five weeks, he has beat up a Georgia pawnshop employee, challenged Kevin Hart to a stand-up comedy duel and assaulted his the bodyguard, among a host of other erratic behaviors. His conduct is not normal, which lends to the notion that there is something wrong with him mentally. Even his girlfriend, reality TV star Hazel E, left him because she could not handle his antics.
Kanye and Katt cases are not unique to their situations. They exhibit mental breakdowns; people dismiss them, and they keep on with their behavior until it’s too late. We have got to come to a place where we acknowledge what is happening and be mature enough to take action. But it has to be the right kind of action.
Here’s the truth; According to Mental Health America, 3.2% of the U.S. population, which calculates into 42 million people, identify as African American. Another one percent identify as multiracial according to 2013 US Census Bureau numbers.
With that, 20 percent of black adults are more likely to report serious psychological distress than adult whites, but when compared to the numbers who identify as black, that’s a small segment of the black population seeking help for their mental issues. Furthermore, black folks are more likely to have feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness and sadly black teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide than whites. These figures are disturbing
We have got to be more open to talking about these issues so that we can work toward a solution. Kanye, Katt and a multitude of others need professional help. It is up to us as a community to help ensure our mental health.
Staff Writer; Rasheda Abdullah