Black Male Actors Inform One Black Man on National Psychotherapy Day…

If the safety dogma from Covid from 2020 through 2021 helped anyone, then the lockdowns made clear that many Americans suffered from mental illnesses. Either they contended with anxiety or depression, if not both. The symptoms and stressors convinced many of them there was a problem, be open about it, and ti seek help.

Sept 25th is National Psychotherapy Day. According to National Today, It acknowledges many peoples’ need for mental well being. It “is observed every year on September 25. Mental illness was always disregarded and not considered a real health problem. Over the years, people have started acknowledging that for overall well-being, your physical as well as mental health needs to be in good condition…”

I discovered a SAG SFTRA conversation in December of 2023. It was niche! “Exploring Identity and Healing for Black Male Actors”. To see that conversation among known and renowned, and new Black male actors, Courtney Vance, Jason George, Dulé Hill Sean Thomas among others, sharing meant (what does it mean) something profound; I felt less alone… 

I referred to SAG AFTRA conversations, as an artistic public speaker, seeking tactics which thespians use for stage space. To find this niche conversation about mental wellbeing surprised me! What’s more, I had met brother Vance years before; surely he’s forgotten me! I met brother Vance nearly 20-years-ago when he and his wife played in “His Girl Friday at the Guthrie Theater in the summer of 2005. My memories from it are faint…

Acting and your choice of public face for varied reasons especially when white society is the default to Black man’s emotional, and needs, especially to vent rage.

Only weeks later would I learn that that SAG AFTRA conversation was a part of the release of a book by Vance and Dr. Smith, “The Invisible Ache”. Among Black men, to need and acknowledge a need for help resembles weakness.

As Shakespeare observed in the 16th-Century play “As You Like It,” “all the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts”. Among most Black men to play a role, we call it code switching. In a world, which white people dominate, is vital to staying alive.

According to NAMI “In 2020, 10.4% of Black adults in the U.S. had no form of health insurance”. Further from NAMI, cultural and social stigmas dissuade many Blacks, “Although beliefs and attitudes vary, research shows that many Black adults – especially older adults – view mental health conditions as a consequence of personal weakness. As a result, people may experience shame about having a mental illness and worry that they may be discriminated against due to their condition.” So it’s not like we grow and then we’re done!. Jason George, “wouldn’t it be great is you could (wrings his hands) and just be done growing” and refining yourself”

In my world, as a specific biracial Black man, the books “The Confident Mind,” “Create a Better Brain Through Neuroplasticity” served me. Discerning the ability to delete, toxic, to revise awkward habits and self-talk, and niche talk therapy help.