Why Do Black People Avoid Therapy?
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Host: Ursula Mariani │Instagram: / ursulamariani
Guest Co-host: Fikile Fimms Ncongwane│Instagram: / fimmsy
Guest: Philasande Sande Malevu │ IG: / sande_za
Co-producer: Sibonganjalo Bonga Botha
Co-producer: Babaland
Technical Director, Editor, and Camera: Given Masilela │ Instagram / givenillustrative
Assistant Technical Director and Camera: Silo Boiboi
Recommend free therapy sources:
vita nova : www.vitanova.c...
CoDa : www.codasouthaf...
This is a site with a list of free numbers for specific mental health issues : blog.opencouns...
Rosebank Union church counseling: 011 784 6214
Why Do Black People Not Seek Therapy? I think, from my personal experience, many do not know they NEED it? I had had panic attacks and uncontrollable crying at night, mostly, for about 3 years and I did not even know they were called panic attacks. I was watching a show called "The Sopranos" when I saw what I was struggling with being depicted.
Tony Soprano went to therapy to deal with his attacks and that is how I knew I needed therapy. It was in these therapy sessions that I learned about the source of my anxiety, the depression, the triggers and how to deal with them. Addictions, substance abuse, trauma, constantly feeling lethargic, loneliness are some of the signs that one needs therapy...I truly believe that every South African needs at least one therapy session considering our history and current dysfunctions in society. Sorry for the long comments
No need to be sorry. This was actually beautiful to read. Glad to hear that therapy helped you 🤗
How much therapy costs?...
1. As an English teacher that has no ambitions of teaching in ASIA thank you for putting the nail in the coffin.
2. Our parents🥲I'm explaining to my mom why I need therapy and she doesn't get it even though she sees so many things consume me, she needs her own healing but it's still not clicking.
3. Definetly need a black therapist because language guys at my worst I need to be my authentic self I don't have the vocabulary xa ndigowa nyan.
4.Please talk about introducing children to therapy just so they know that is an outlet for things its doesn't have to be a break down before we do something.
I have found that “movement” helps for people who cannot vocalize their concerns or wounds… so yoga, meditation or any kind mindful movement is helpful. ❤️
I've never been to therapy but I've always imagined that when I do go, I'll prefer a white, (mature/old) doctor, just because I feel like they are more sympathetic and not judgemental. As a black girl I would not prefer a black woman solely because I feel like they tend to be judgemental and less understanding towards the situation that you are going through. Imagine getting assigned to a black therapist who knows your family🤒🫣. For example, take the black nurses at local clinics, they will make you feel bad for taking care of yourself when seeking for contraceptives or wanting to know your HIV status.
I think it’s also important to emphasis that the point of therapy isn’t always necessarily about getting a mental illness diagnosis, it won’t always be the outcome. But it’s just keeping in check with your mental health. There’s distinction between mental illness, health and wellness and it’s important to recognise what part they play and sometimes going to therapy isn’t seeking a diagnosis but just to say “you know what, I think I’m struggling and I don’t know what to do, I just need to talk about it. Talk through it with someone who won’t be biased. ”
And also learning the different roles counsellors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists play and in understand that, it will make it seem less scary when navigating that new space.
I can’t remember if I heard this from something I was watching or if it was a conversation with a friend….
So the issue with therapy is also needing someone (a good therapist) who can understand you in terms of language as well because it’s not always easy to articulate yourself in English or the basic Xhosa/Sotho/Zulu when you are from the deep rural
I'm currently looking into going for the therapy and the point you lot made about race really hit me. This is because I was so sure I'd be more comfortable with a white woman. My interaction with (older) black women (as a young adult) has mostly been either a confrontation or getting reprimanded and that makes it hard to believe that i can find a safe space in the company of a black woman. I find it too close to home, almost like I'm talking to uMama or uMamncane. Manje ngithini?
Then go with your gut. Get a white therapist and take it from there. It might just work from you or even a male therapist
Normally therapy scaled at high prices , those therapist are probably working with people who have their ish together …financially 😅. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t yet . Especially young people. ❤
Straight from the tiktok fyp to youtube 💕
Lol I have this friend who quite OBVIOUSLY NEEDS therapy but us convinced "real men" don't need therapy. Where do you begin to help someone like that realise why it could help?
Coincidentally, the next episode can help your friend so much, please check it out and share it with him.
I have a question:
Like how do we change this whole Mindset of therapy being some form of luxury. And this belief that being depressed is a privilege. Like I saw a trend going on TikTok and that has had my mind just swirling and thinking about if this is even true because our parents and grandparents never had the opportunity to receive assist with their mental health they just toughed and just kept moving with life.
Very good video. I think black people as a collective avoid therapy for a handful of reasons. Number 1 they are told that mental illness is a “rich white persons problem “. 2- they’re just feeling sad or going through hard times
3- they feel they can’t afford it. Like many people these days they’re living check to check and often struggle to pay their main bills. So sitting down to discuss their problems is just “another bill”
Number 4 has to deal with feeling embarrassed or a fear of being judged.
Agree I also wanted a real plan, tools, to deal and get better. That's the only thing I couldn't stand about it. Awareness messed me up and without tools hhay khona it's not make sure
Interesting topic, thank you for sharing 🎉
Please share the links that are mentioned in the interview…wrt you available affordable therapy out there.
The description box below has been edited, please find all of Phila’s recommendations there.
Ursula you just ‘triggered me’. I actually have an experience where I went to a black psychologist and it’s safe to say that I will never consider ethnicity but technique now because this lady was bringing me to her traditional or cultural norms… she was prescribing how I should resolve a family matter. Tx for the conversation
Therapy helped me cry too. I wasn't a crier, my friends are still shocked
I attended therapy also so many times all i did was to open up and cry but to date honestly i never got a solution.
Yes it's true I also get anxiety when moving to a new place.
I think us bodakie we underestimate the power of going to therapy & how it helps one to be a functional being holistically ❤...1 of the reasons why I studied psychology....to change the mindset of goin to therapy heee we still have a long way to go Shame 😢
I want to go in person interactive therapy so I can paint with my therapist ☺️
Please share links of places that were mentioned.
The description box below has been edited, please find all of Phila’s recommendations there.
Thanks for this. I really appreciate your content.
We appreciate you 😘
I always wonder how much therapy actually costs...?i never find any info on that
I used to zoom call as well when I was living there 🇨🇳. At least I was just dealing with boma childhood ptsd 🥲. And I found that a lot of us expats needed help with our mental health especially when leaving home for longer periods of time
Shuuu imagine being in a foreign country and struggling mentally and can’t get help😭Joh ndinga shona🥹 In conclusion SouthAhhh ain’t that bad because we have mental institutions where we can run to for help❤️ This was an amazing episode❤️Thank you TCC team❤️
I can’t remember if I heard this from something I was watching or if it was a conversation with a friend….
So the issue with therapy is also needing someone (a good therapist) who can understand you in terms of language as well because it’s not always easy to articulate yourself in English or the basic Xhosa/Sotho/Zulu when you are from the deep rural