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Journaling While Black
My journey to journaling as a Black man
I’m Black. I felt that was an important place to start. I’m also a man. I’m a young, Black man. *Cue “I just wanna live” by Keedron Bryant.*
Growing up as a young, Black man in the South, I don’t think mental health and mental wellness were ever separated from religion or spirituality. We were told to pray through our issues most of our lives before counseling or therapy was a consideration.
Although positive mental health practices aren’t new, they are part of the Black community’s conversations. Even in the religious context, people are starting to understand the importance of mental health practices that are actionable. Particularly among Black men as we shed the weight of toxic masculinity. We encourage each other to confront our traumas so we can be whole and show up for the people who matter in our lives.
However, some Black men are still hesitant to do counseling or therapy. I was one of those Black men at one point in my life. It took me years of advocating for positive mental health practices before calling a therapist myself. I can identify with the hesitation that comes with that level of vulnerability.
In place of counseling, I advocate journaling to everyone I know: Black men, friends, family, and my students. I’m a fierce…
