Mental Health Support for Black Men and Women in Georgia
Confident and resilient Black woman in Georgia, representing mental strength and cultural legacy. Advocating for mental health support and therapy for African American women at Cumberland Counseling Centers. Black man and woman receiving mental health support in Georgia, at Cumberland Counseling Centers. Promoting culturally competent therapy and emotional well-being for African American communities.
By Dr. Marcuetta Sims
Mental health is a conversation that we, as Black people, often shy away from. Whether it's due to cultural stigma, fear of being misunderstood, or just feeling like we need to “keep pushing,” the reality is that mental health struggles are real, and they affect our community deeply. For Black men and women in Georgia, particularly in cities like Atlanta, finding support that understands the unique cultural challenges we face can feel almost impossible. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need it. In fact, we need it now more than ever.
Why Mental Health is a Critical Issue for Us
As Black people, we’ve always been taught to persevere, to keep going despite the hardships. Whether it's at work, at home, or in school, many of us face pressure from all sides to be strong—emotionally, physically, and mentally. But this idea of being “strong” can sometimes prevent us from acknowledging our mental health struggles, and that’s dangerous.
Statistics show that we are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues compared to other groups. Yet, only about a quarter of us who need it actually seek help. For too many of us, the barriers to care—whether it’s financial, the lack of culturally competent therapists, or the stigma of seeking therapy in the first place—are real, and they’re keeping us from the healing we deserve.
Common Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Our Community
It’s important that we recognize the signs of mental health struggles in ourselves and the people we love. For Black men and women between 18 and 60, some common issues to look out for include:
Depression: This isn’t just “feeling down” but a persistent sense of sadness, fatigue, or losing interest in things that used to bring you joy.
Anxiety: Constant worry, irritability, or feeling on edge can signal anxiety, and it can even show up as physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems.
Trauma and PTSD: Unfortunately, many of us experience trauma in various forms—whether it's related to personal violence or systemic racism—and this can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.
Substance Use: Sometimes, we try to cope with our pain through alcohol or drugs, but this can make things worse in the long run.
Anger and Frustration: Bottling up emotions and feeling constantly on edge can strain our relationships and hurt us at work or in school.
For our men especially, there’s a pressure to “tough it out” or “man up,” and that can lead to long-term mental health struggles that go untreated.
Why Finding Culturally Competent Care Matters
One of the biggest challenges for Black folks in Georgia, and especially in Atlanta, is finding a therapist who truly understands what we’re going through. Too many of us have been in situations where we finally decide to seek help, only to feel like the therapist just doesn’t “get it.”
Culturally competent care means having a therapist who understands not just your symptoms but your experiences—someone who gets what it means to be Black in America. That means understanding how systemic racism, microaggressions, and cultural expectations shape our lives and mental health. Without this, therapy can feel ineffective, and many of us walk away feeling even more isolated.
Where to Find Support in Georgia
The good news is that resources exist, and more culturally competent therapists are stepping up to serve our community.
Cumberland Counseling Centers: If you’re looking for therapy that speaks to your experience as a Black person, Cumberland Counseling Centers can help. With locations across Georgia, including Atlanta, Cumberland Counseling offers services that are affordable and rooted in an understanding of the cultural context many of us navigate every day. They focus on providing accessible therapy, so you can get the support you need without breaking the bank.
Black Mental Health Alliance: The Black Mental Health Alliance has a directory of Black therapists who can help, including many based in Georgia. Having a therapist who understands where you’re coming from can make all the difference in your healing journey.
Therapy for Black Girls: Therapy for Black Girls is an online resource specifically designed to connect Black women with therapists who understand our unique challenges. Whether you're dealing with work stress, relationship struggles, or trauma, they have a vast network of therapists to choose from.
NAMI Georgia (National Alliance on Mental Illness): NAMI Georgia offers support groups, workshops, and other resources that are designed to help us navigate mental health challenges. They also work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in our community.
Coping Strategies for You and Your Loved Ones
While therapy is a critical piece of the puzzle, there are also things we can do day-to-day to take care of our mental health. Here are some strategies that can help:
Open Communication: Let’s start having real conversations about mental health with our families and friends. Talking about what’s going on inside helps break down the walls of stigma.
Faith and Spirituality: For many of us, faith is a major part of our lives. Whether it's prayer, attending church, or simply meditating, spirituality can be a source of strength and healing.
Exercise and Movement: Getting active can work wonders for your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and helps you manage stress.
Support Groups: You’re not alone in this. Finding support groups, whether online or in person, can help you feel more connected and understood.
Self-Care: Don’t underestimate the power of taking time for yourself. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or just sitting in silence, find moments in your day to recharge.
Partner and Spousal Support: If you’re married or in a relationship, it’s important to lean on your partner and build that support system together. Working through challenges as a team can help both of you navigate the tough moments.
Closing the Gap
As Black men and women, we have every right to take up space in the mental health conversation. We deserve therapists who understand us, care that’s affordable, and a community that doesn’t shy away from these conversations. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed, know that there’s help out there. Cumberland Counseling Centers and other organizations across Georgia are here to support you.
It’s time to break the silence, seek help, and start healing—because you deserve it.
How Undiagnosed OCD Might Show Up in Everyday Life: Home, School, and Work
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood and misrepresented. People might think it’s just about being extremely tidy or overly organized, but OCD can take many forms, and when left undiagnosed, it can quietly affect different areas of life. Whether at home, school, or work, OCD can manifest in ways that disrupt daily routines, relationships, and emotional well-being. Here’s how undiagnosed OCD might show up in these environments and what you can do if it's causing problems.
OCD at Home
At home, undiagnosed OCD might look like:
Excessive Cleaning or Tidying: While many people enjoy having a clean home, someone with OCD might feel an overwhelming compulsion to clean or organize constantly, often driven by anxiety about germs, contamination, or things not being "just right."
Repetitive Checking: This could include checking appliances, locks, or doors multiple times before leaving the house or going to bed, even when they’ve already verified things are secure.
Ritualistic Behaviors: A person with undiagnosed OCD might have specific rituals they feel they must complete, like touching objects in a particular sequence or repeating certain phrases. These rituals can consume time and make everyday activities stressful.
Conflict with Family Members: Family life can be impacted when others don’t understand the OCD-related behaviors. Arguments might arise over things like cleanliness, organization, or the repetitive need for reassurance.
OCD at School
In a school setting, OCD can impact both academic performance and social interactions:
Perfectionism: Students with OCD might spend excessive time on assignments, rewriting or rechecking work out of fear of making mistakes. This can lead to late submissions or incomplete assignments, even when they understand the material.
Difficulty Concentrating: Intrusive thoughts, a hallmark of OCD, can make it hard for students to focus in class. They may seem distracted or anxious and might struggle to follow along with lessons.
Avoidance of Certain Tasks or Situations: OCD might cause a student to avoid activities or environments that trigger their obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, like group work or using public restrooms.
Social Struggles: Fear of being judged or the need to follow rituals can make it difficult for students with undiagnosed OCD to form or maintain friendships. They might withdraw from social activities to avoid stress or embarrassment.
OCD at Work
In the workplace, undiagnosed OCD can cause challenges that affect job performance:
Excessive Checking or Reviewing Work: Someone with OCD might feel compelled to double- or triple-check their work, emails, or reports, fearing that they’ll miss a mistake or face negative consequences. This can result in decreased productivity and delays in completing tasks.
Struggles with Decision-Making: Obsessive doubts can make it difficult to make decisions or move forward on projects, as a person with OCD may feel paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong option or making a mistake.
Difficulty Delegating or Collaborating: OCD can cause people to feel that things must be done in a very specific way, making it hard to trust others with tasks. This might lead to strained relationships with coworkers or an inability to delegate responsibilities.
Burnout and Anxiety: The mental toll of managing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors throughout the workday can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and burnout, affecting overall job satisfaction and well-being.
What Can You Do If OCD Is Causing Problems?
If you suspect that undiagnosed OCD is affecting your life, there are steps you can take to manage it and improve your quality of life:
1.) Seek Professional Help: A therapist or counselor trained in treating OCD can provide valuable support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective in treating OCD.
How Cumberland Counseling Centers Can Help
At Cumberland Counseling Centers, our therapists are trained to work with individuals struggling with OCD, offering compassionate and evidence-based care. We specialize in treatments for OCD. Our approach is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, focusing on helping them understand their obsessive thoughts, reduce compulsive behaviors, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Whether OCD is affecting your personal life, relationships, or work, our team is dedicated to walking alongside you on your path to mental wellness, while also supporting your emotional and spiritual growth. Reach out to us for a personalized treatment plan that empowers you to regain control of your life.
2.) Get an Accurate Diagnosis: If you think OCD might be the cause of some of your behaviors, seeing a mental health professional for an evaluation is the first step toward managing your symptoms.
3.) Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help reduce anxiety and manage intrusive thoughts, making day-to-day functioning more manageable.
4.) Create Routines That Reduce OCD Triggers: While avoiding all triggers isn’t realistic, creating a structured routine can help you feel more in control and reduce the need for compulsive behaviors.
5.) Educate Loved Ones or Colleagues: Talking openly about OCD with trusted family members, friends, or coworkers can help them understand your behaviors and provide the support you need.
Final Thoughts
OCD is a challenging and often misunderstood condition, but with the right support, it’s possible to regain control and live a fulfilling life. If you notice any of these signs at home, school, or work, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance and support. Don’t let OCD go undiagnosed—there are ways to manage the condition and reduce its impact on your daily life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD and looking for help, Cumberland Counseling Centers offers professional therapy services. Our team is here to support you on your journey toward healing and mental wellness. Reach out today!
Suicide Prevention Month: Hope, Healing, and Help
September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to raise awareness about mental health struggles and the impact of suicide. It’s also a time to remind those facing difficulty that help is available and healing is possible. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we are dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s toughest moments, offering compassionate care and professional therapy to those in need.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., and its effects are felt deeply by families, friends, and entire communities. While the subject can be difficult to talk about, open conversations are key to breaking down the stigma around mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that asking for help is a brave and vital step toward healing.
Services We Offer at Cumberland Counseling Centers
At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are navigating mental health challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, grief, or a sense of hopelessness, our therapists are here to walk alongside you with faith-centered support and proven therapeutic approaches. Some of our services include:
Individual Counseling: A safe, confidential space to explore personal struggles and work through emotions with the guidance of a licensed therapist.
Family & Couples Counseling: Helping families and couples strengthen their relationships and communicate more effectively in times of stress or hardship.
Support for Crisis Situations: For those facing immediate crisis, we offer guidance and support to stabilize emotions and develop a plan for healing.
To schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please visit our website or call us at (404) 884-8247. We are here to help.
Coping Skills for Mental Health Struggles
If you or someone close to you is experiencing thoughts of suicide or severe emotional pain, it’s crucial to know that there are ways to manage these feelings. While professional therapy is a key part of healing, there are also some practical coping skills that can provide relief during tough moments:
Reach Out: Talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or therapist. Expressing what you're going through can help you feel supported and less alone.
Grounding Techniques: Focus on your senses to help bring you back to the present. Try holding something cold, listening to calming music, or engaging in deep breathing exercises.
Create a Safety Plan: Work with a therapist to develop a personalized plan that outlines warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts when feelings become overwhelming.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise, even in small doses, can improve mood by releasing endorphins. Go for a walk, stretch, or move in ways that feel good to you.
Limit Triggers: Reduce exposure to things that increase anxiety or sadness, such as negative social media or stressful news.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
In moments of crisis, immediate help is available. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) offers 24/7 assistance for anyone in need of emotional support. They can connect you to resources, provide crisis intervention, and help you take the next steps toward healing.
Call 1-800-715-4225 at any time if you or someone you know is in crisis.
You Are Not Alone
This Suicide Prevention Month, let's come together as a community to offer hope and healing to those who may be struggling. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we are here for you, ready to help you take the next step toward a brighter tomorrow. If you or someone you love needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out.