By Maurice Carroll

Black male children are born into a culture where their way of life is showered with doubt, untrustworthiness and systems of racism. Worries of White supremacy and high expectations –both self-imposed and externally forced – all take a back seat on the day that a Black boy is born, but what about the long-term effects over time? What happens to the mental care of Black men as we move through life? Where can we feel safe and heard? How do we address our mental health needs? 

As September is Suicide Prevention Month, now more than ever we need to encourage Black boys and men to mind their mental health- before it’s too late. 

Here are three practices that I used to start my journey of mindfulness and mental health. This month, I encourage all Black men to think on how they can become better for themselves, their families and the community by tending to their own mental health and self-care needs. 

1–Daily quiet time 

Often Black men are traveling, working, going to school, teaching, and taking care of family responsibilities and businesses. Dedicating quiet time for yourself everyday is one of the best things you can do. It’s a good practice to eliminate electronics during your quiet time as much as possible. Journalling allows us to express ourselves without interruption or concerns of editing ourselves. An added benefit to writing out your thoughts is that it gives a record of progress. 

Another way to have daily quiet time is through meditation. Meditation practices come in many forms. You don’t have to sit in a lotus position and chant. There are walking meditations, yoga, guided meditations, and my favorite, sound healing mediations. There are a lot of meditation forms to experience. Find one or two that work well for you but dedicate time to it everyday. Even 5-10mins will absolutely make a difference. 

2- Change your language

When we are in our heads about life, we have a tendency to use default language. For example, we all have used the word “try.” 

“I’m trying to…” is a default phrase that exists in between doing or not doing. Remove language that perpetuates negative outlooks or provides an escape–like the word “try.” Consider framing your words to be positive, yet realistic. Instead of saying “I’m trying to be better,” say “I’m getting better. It’s happening slower than I hoped but I AM getting better.” 

Thoughts are energy and your words are a reflection of what you think. Use your language in a way that benefits you instead of the default language.

3-Give yourself grace

Black men have pressures that are difficult to imagine. Sometimes those external pressures are compounded with our inner pressures of and for ourselves. Learn to give yourself grace. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings, give yourself permission to learn and compliment yourself for having experienced whatever it was. Though we aren’t taught it as Black men, it is ok to accept yourself for who you are and be graceful with what they may look like to you. 

Protect and care for your mind. Your mental health matters. Remember your history. Remember who you are. Know thyself.

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