Dear Black Men, We Appreciate You: A Love Letter to Your Mental Health

Black Mental Health
Written By Christi

The summer months can be a lot.

They bring sunshine, cookouts, family reunions, Father's Day, celebrations, graduation photos, and a calendar full of reasons to gather. But tucked inside these busy months is something equally important: A reminder that men's well-being matters, too.

And today, we're sending a special message to Black men.

We see you!

We see the fathers showing up for school drop-offs after working long shifts. We see the grandfathers carrying wisdom and family stories. We see the brothers, uncles, mentors, coaches, friends, and community leaders who continue showing up even when life feels heavy.

Black men are often expected to be strong, dependable, and resilient. While those qualities are admirable, they can sometimes come with an unspoken message: "Keep going, no matter what."

But here's the truth:

  • Strength isn't pretending everything is fine.

  • Strength is acknowledging when you're tired.

  • Strength is asking for help.

  • Strength is taking care of your mental health before burnout makes the decision for you.


To the Dads: We See You, Too

  • Fatherhood can be beautiful, rewarding, exhausting, and overwhelming, all at the same time.

  • Whether you're changing diapers, navigating teenage attitudes, co-parenting, healing from your own childhood experiences, or simply trying to be the dad you never had, the emotional labor is real.

  • Many fathers spend so much energy caring for everyone else that they forget to check in for themselves.

This is your reminder:

  • You deserve support.

  • You deserve rest.

  • You deserve spaces where you can be honest about stress, anxiety, grief, fear, and uncertainty without judgment.

Mental Health Is Not a Luxury

Mental wellness isn't something reserved for people with extra time. It's part of overall health.

Taking care of your mental health can look like:

  • Talking with a trusted friend

  • Connecting with a therapist

  • Taking a walk without your phone

  • Setting boundaries

  • Journaling your thoughts

  • Getting adequate sleep

  • Spending time in community

  • Practicing mindfulness or prayer

  • Small steps count.


A Summer Challenge for Black Men

Before summer ends, take five minutes and ask yourself:

  • How am I really doing?

  • What am I carrying that I haven't talked about?

  • What do I need more of right now?

  • Who can I reach out to for support?

No performance. No pressure. Just honesty.


Final Thoughts

To every Black man reading this. Thank you for the ways you show up for your families, your communities, and yourselves. Thank you for the resilience you've developed and the love you continue to give. May we celebrate more than accomplishments and responsibilities. May we also celebrate healing, vulnerability, joy, rest, and mental wellness.

Because Black men deserve more than survival.

You deserve peace.

And that's worth celebrating every day of the year.

Mental Health Resources for Black Men

~ Christi, Look Aligned Intern

References

American Psychological Association. (2024). Men and mental health. https://www.apa.org

Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. (n.d.). Mental health resources and advocacy. https://borislhensonfoundation.org

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Caring for your mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov

Therapy for Black Men. (n.d.). Directory and mental health resources for Black men. https://therapyforblackmen.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org

Christi

I am a Clinical Social Work intern committed to advocacy and serving individuals who have been overlooked or unheard. Under the supervision of Dr. Jones, LCSW, I provide therapy that integrates advocacy and clinical care to address root causes and promote meaningful, lasting change.

I have a strong interest in Maternal Mental Health and am dedicated to supporting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period with compassion, cultural responsiveness, and presence. As a mother, I understand the emotional complexities of this transition and aim to support women navigating depression, anxiety, and the many adjustments that accompany motherhood with mindfulness, dignity, and care.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations with a minor in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at Tennessee State University and pursuing clinical licensure.

I am passionate about creating a transparent, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered toward sustainable growth.

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