Mental Health Support for Black Men and Women in Georgia
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.
