How are you?
Three simple words that for some is the start of a social interaction that opens up a multitude of viable possibilities. For others, it’s a loaded question that might imply naivety, ignorance or a lack of perspective and empathy.
Here comes the full disclosure part!
I am not a psychologist. Neither am I a social worker, psychotherapist or self-help expert. What I am is an advocate for mental health awareness spurred on by a desire to get to grips with my myriad of emotional and overbearing psychological baggage.
The past couple of years has witnessed a spike in conversations on black mental health. This may be our willingness to embrace the issue and overcome some of the stigma attached. It could also be attributed to a growing desperation for our need for answers and support as we slowly become aware of the toll being placed on our physical and mental states.
It’s great to talk about mental health. But is it enough?
In a recent piece from The Guardian, it’s said that the stigma associated with addressing mental illness is worse than the illness itself. Whilst the stigma is a consequence of mental illness, recent findings have shown that in the form of prejudice and alienation it plays a big part in the rise of fatalities.
So whilst we’ve upped the ante on talking about mental health, constructive action and a guide to find platforms for healing is the primary aim of this short piece.
Healing begins when someone bears witness. When someone who doesn’t necessarily understand your struggle, but acknowledges your reality. In a country like Sweden, if you deviate from the norm you are likely to be on the wrong end of gaslighting. This makes the need for a support system, and understanding of the levels of adversity one overcomes daily, crucial to healing. A safe space if you will.
Sweden is uniquely blessed with specialist organizations and mental health professionals, but only a fraction of the roughly 10,500 psychologists have any expertise on issues attributed to prejudice and discrimination. This inevitably leads to a growing distrust of the system as well as a natural inclination to seek medication instead of resolution and prevention.
There is a force more powerful than free will – our conscious subconscious. There are elements of who we are that may not drive our actions, but leave an inexplicable mark. Seeking mental health support can help close some deeply rooted scars.
So the next time, we hear the words ‘How are you?’ we may resist the urge to run inwards and instead have the tools we need to stand tall and continue to overcome and persevere.
A non-profit, religiously and politically independent initiative devoted to providing education, training and advocacy on the merits of mental health care within the Afro-Swedish and black community in Sweden.
Mind has been an advocate of mental health since 1931. They work on spreading knowledge and information while also supporting support for people who are mentally ill.
Terrafem – http://www.terrafem.org/
Terrafem is a non-profit organisation that works for the rights of women of all ages to live in a society without the violence and abuse of men. Terrafem was founded in March 2000 by women who earlier on had worked with a shelter for immigrant women, the first of its kind in Sweden. Terrafem´s work is based on a perspective of both gender and ethnicity. They run Sweden’s only national helpline for immigrant women of all ages. The helpline (020-52 10 10) offers support in 43 languages.
Tjejzone – http://www.tjejzonen.se/
Tjejzonen (The girls zone) is Sweden’s largest support organization for girls. They fight for girls’ right to be listened to and that mental ill health will decrease among all who define themselves as girls between the ages of 10 and 25. They also raise opinion about girls mental health. They are a party political and religious unions, and their office is located in Stockholm.
Hjärnkoll – http://www.nsph.se/hjarnkoll/
Hjärnkoll is a national federation. Their vision is for everyone to have the same rights and opportunities regardless of their mental capabilities.
-words & images VIC BASSEY
