The Black Depression

It's no secret that the African American community has been racially targeted for years on end. From the way we dressed and our Ebonics we spoke, to the way we only listen to "black people music" and everything else in between. But, what about our mental state?

Depression in the black community is rising by the minute and it's time to show that we have the right to be just as vulnerable and to show that just because we are a different race, that we are still just as human as the next person.

Stats.

In the US, 13.2% of the US Population identifies as Black or African American. Of those, over 16% had a diagnose mental illness in 2014. So with that being said, that is over 6.8 million people. 6.8 MILLION. That's more than the population of Chicago, Houston, and Philly combined.

It doesn't make it any better when everyone is silent about it like it's an issue you can sweep under the rug and keep it pushing.

THAT IS NOT OKAY! For it to get better, we as people need to speak up and talk about it. This isn't something you brush off to act hard in front of your friends and act like it's all good when it's not. Suicide is the 16th leading cause of death for blacks of all ages and the third leading cause of death for black males between the ages of 15 and 24.

I grew up in a family where it seemed like no one was supposed to be depressed. We were always told as being black that you shouldn't cry or you'll be made out to be a punk or a pussy. Or you weren't allowed to be vulnerable and show emotions just because it'll make you out to look like you're weak. "And you can't be weak when you're black."

It's 2017. We're on the final days until 2018 and it's more than time to break down this stereotype about blacks and start rising together instead of tearing each other down. Sadly, the stigma of a depressed black man/woman/child etc will always be around due to the way other African Americans are.

I myself am Maniac Depressive. I found this out when I was in high school. My freshman year to be exact. I was always teased for the way I talked, who I talked to, and me not being the average "black kid" I didn't have the worst life but I didn't have it easy either. In today's society, if you're black and not selling, bumping trap music, playing sports, etc... You're an outsider. No one wants to do the things that are destined for them because of the way that society has laid the path for us young black kings and queens in this world.

In today's time, we live in a white supremacist society. And as messed up as it sounds, they have seem to be blinded by black pain and suffering. You never see many Caucasians posting or showing their condolences to black figures in life or black people in general.

African Americans are taught only leads to denial, isolation, and unspoken depression. Essentially, our inability to speak our pain is killing us. As I said before, it's time to let it be known and let's show everyone that we are one in the same. And let's get a hold of this problem before it is too late. (it is NEVER too late)

I hope everyone who's reading this, finds the strength to break out the mold that they were put in. Be assertive. Be unapologetic in this cycle. Be one of the few who breaks this. Let's be the change in that black community that we need. We can do this. Together.