Resources
Understanding Mental Health, Poor Mental Health and Mental Illness.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health can be helpful to understand as a continuum that every human being experiences. We all have it. Good mental health is characterised by a state which allows individuals to realise their full potential, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Poor Mental Health
Poor mental health occurs when our mental well-being is compromised, often manifesting as difficulty in managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in daily life. It doesn't necessarily mean having a diagnosed mental illness, however, and some would say that it is inevitable and even appropriate to experience poor mental health as a natural response to living life.
For the Black community, oftentimes factors contributing to poor mental health can include exposure to media trauma where Black people’s pain is shared, lived experiences of living with racism and discrimination as part of everyday life, as well as prolonged stress, social isolation, and unresolved trauma. Symptoms might include persistent sadness, anxiety, mood swings, or trouble concentrating.
Mental Illness
Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behaviour. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviours. These conditions can be severe and persistent, significantly impacting an individual's ability to function and cope with everyday experiences.
Mental illnesses are diagnosable, but this can be a complex process for some people. Black people have experienced misdiagnosis therefore making the entire diagnosis process stressful. Mental illness is treatable, to varying degrees, like all conditions and are classified as medical conditions that often require professional intervention.
It is important to note at this point that the very diagnosis criteria for mental illness can often be seen as part of a wider challenge for Black individuals and their families. Western medicine and practice does not currently take into consideration the cultural and community aspects of the Black experience. This is not to say that the current and accepted modalities are not appropriate, it’s just food for thought when thinking about how to support those from our community.
Mental Health is something we all have. Most will live with poor mental health at some point. Not everybody will develop mental illness.
The Intersection of lived experiences of Black people in the UK
Mental health issues do not occur in a vacuum, and for Black individuals in the UK, experiences of systemic racism, discrimination, and social inequalities play a significant role. These factors can exacerbate mental health issues or contribute to the development of poor mental health and mental illnesses.
Statistics highlight these disparities:
Black people in the UK are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems and are disproportionately sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Black women are more likely to experience common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression compared to white women.
Black men are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, with studies indicating they are up to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with this condition compared to white men.
Black individuals are disproportionately subject to coercive measures under the Mental Health Act. They are more than four times more likely to be detained under Section 136, which allows police to detain individuals for a mental health assessment if they are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Black people are more likely to be placed under a Community Treatment Order (CTO), which allows for compulsory treatment in the community.
Culturally Appropriate Therapy and Its Benefits
Culturally appropriate therapy recognises and respects the cultural backgrounds of individuals and for Black people in the UK, this means acknowledging the impact of racial trauma, cultural heritage, and community values in the therapeutic process. Benefits of culturally appropriate therapy include:
Enhanced Trust and Rapport: Therapists who understand cultural nuances can build better trust and rapport, crucial for effective therapy.
Relevance and Resonance: Therapy tailored to cultural experiences can be more relevant and resonate more deeply with clients, improving engagement and outcomes.
Addressing Racial Trauma: Specific strategies can be employed to address racial trauma, a significant factor in the mental health of Black individuals.
Empowerment: Culturally appropriate therapy can empower clients by validating their experiences and reinforcing their cultural identity and strengths.
Ethical Therapy vs. Unethical Therapy:
Good and ethical therapy prioritises the client's well-being, respects boundaries, maintains confidentiality, and follows professional guidelines.
In contrast, unethical therapy may involve breaches of confidentiality, dual relationships, lack of competence, or coercion in therapy.
We can assure you that we understand the impact of therapy done wrong. We work hard to make sure your experience with us at Black Minds Matter UK is a good one.
Here at BMMUK, we understand the importance of matching our clients to a therapist who they can work closely with. They do not have to understand them, they do need to be able to create a place of safety so that healing and empowerment can happen.
Our Resources
Our Guide to helplines and groups
Understanding common Mental Health problems
Read our guide written by Dr Mayowa Aina, Clinical Psychologist
Where to find a Black therapist
This PDF lists organisations are where we find the majority of our therapists
#TimeToTalk
How to encourage conversations on mental health in black households
How to support yourself and others when confronted with racism
Read our guide on how we can stand together in the current tide of racism and what we can do to protect our mental health during this time.
Download our Mental Health Guides
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Community Treatment Orders
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Depression
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Eating Disorders
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Mental Health Crisis
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Schizophrenia
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Substance Misuse
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The Mental Health Act
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Understand Stress
Access our downloadable guides
Looking after your mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Our collection of downloadable guides has been developed to offer clear, evidence-based information. Whether you’re looking to better understand your emotions, explore different therapeutic approaches, or find practical ways to manage everyday challenges, these resources are designed to support you on your journey.
Mental Health Resources
Seeking support is a sign of strength. Accessing reliable information and professional guidance can help you build resilience, gain clarity, and feel more in control of your mental health. By taking these steps, you are prioritising your wellbeing and laying the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.
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Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes intense feelings of worry, fear, or unease. These feelings can be so overwhelming that they interfere with your day-to-day life. While anxiety is something many people experience, the Black community in the UK faces unique challenges that can make it harder to cope with. Download our free guide.
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Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense changes in mood – from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression). It affects how you feel, think, and navigate everyday life.
In Black communities, the pressure to “stay strong” can sometimes stop us from speaking out when we’re struggling. But mental health challenges are real – and treatable. Download our guide.
Therapy Resources
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Culturally sensitive therapy is a way of providing mental health care that recognises and respects the unique cultural experiences, values, and perspectives of Black individuals. This approach aims to create a safe space where clients feel understood and validated in their cultural context. Mental health is deeply connected to cultural identity, so therapy must address cultural factors to be effective.
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Psychotherapists are trained to deal with deep-seated, long-term mental health issues. They use a range of therapeutic approaches to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Psychotherapists are skilled at diagnosing and treating various mental health conditions.
