By: Nina Ellis-Hervey Ph.D., L.P., N.C.S.P., L.S.S.P., C.P.C. | Owner & CEO at BeautifulBrwnBabyDol LLC
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, mental health has become increasingly important. Sure the internet offers a myriad of encouraging stories, motivation, social comfort, and a sense of belonging, but what’s on the other side of that coin?
According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, mental health problems have increased for adults in the United States during the pandemic, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of anxiety and depression. This is not surprising when taking into consideration that the mental health of Black people was already in a fragile state before COVID-19 hit. According to Jacobs et al. (2021), while many adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, Black people tend to present at a higher rate.
There are various reasons for this mental health disparity, including systemic racism, microaggressions, and discrimination. When you add social media into the mix, it’s not hard to see how mental health can quickly deteriorate. The constant stream of negative news, the pressure to be “perfect” online, and the overwhelming sense of comparison can all take a toll. And for Black people who are already dealing with mental health issues, social media can be a trigger that exacerbates those problems. This is further compounded by access to view more acts of hate, which can compound trauma.
In the context of COVID, the pandemic has disproportionately negatively impacted Black people, both in terms of their physical and mental health. Social media has played a role in exacerbating the mental health problems that Black people are facing. According to the American Psychological Association (2021), Blacks in America are more likely than Hispanics, Asians, or Whites to express concern about the post-pandemic future, and this could be for several reasons.
Race, Racism, and COVID
Black families experienced a vast amount of deaths due to COVID (three times as many as Whites), and all the while, could not have the funerals many were accustomed to pre-pandemic (Green-Laughlin, 2020). Simon et al. (2020) predicted that in the world, post-pandemic, there would be a significant increase in mental health disorders disproportionately affecting Blacks and, more specifically, those in lower socioeconomic groups.
While it is clear that topics including racism, wealth disparities, and even fewer educational opportunities among Black populations were already being discussed pre-pandemic, these issues were even more highlighted during the pandemic using social media for all to see and replay daily, and that weighs on mental status.
Though making a change as one practitioner appears daunting, it’s possible. First, validating the feelings and experiences of those seeking more information, specifically online, is important. Acknowledge that their feelings are real and that the world around them can be overwhelming and scary. Second, provide resources for self-care and stress relief. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2020), African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general U.S. population but only half as likely to receive mental health services.
Since social media is used daily, presenting reminders that normalize seeking treatment could aid in better outcomes. This might be in the form of mental health hotlines, therapy sessions, or even a safe space to talk about their experiences. Third, it is important to encourage positive social media use. This means encouraging the use of social media for connecting with friends and family, sharing uplifting content, and taking breaks from the news.
Social media can be a double-edged sword, but focusing on how it can uplift and support Black mental health is important. Through this lens, there are several ways to combat the negative mental health impacts of social media and the internet.
Practitioners can start by acknowledging the problem and its impact on Black mental health. This is no easy feat. A big part may be practitioners of all races recognizing and acknowledging their own bias.
Beyens et al. (2021) argued that mental health practitioners must receive more anti-racism training to treat clients of color, especially Black clients effectively.
In addition, mental health practitioners should work to create a safe and welcoming environment for all their clients, especially Black clients. This may involve creating a space that affirms Black culture and experiences or having resources specific to Black mental health.
Some things can be done on a larger and smaller scale to address the negative mental health impacts of social media and the internet. Mental health practitioners, more specifically Black practitioners, are needed on the internet and social media space.
We need more Black mental health practitioners to provide accurate information and dispel mental health myths. We also need more Black mental health practitioners to be visible online and in social media spaces. When people see someone who looks like them succeeding and/or practicing what they teach, it can be inspirational and affirming.
In addition, we need more Black mental health practitioners to create mental health content specific to the Black experience. This content can be created through blog posts, mental health tips, or even mental health memes. Being more visible online, and providing accurate information, could assist more people in understanding their mental health, learning that there may be hidden trauma that affects their functioning, helping them feel included in mental health discussions, and understanding that it is not “taboo” to seek treatment.
In addition, it is important to have mental health practitioners attuned to the specific needs of Black people and those who can offer culturally competent care.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), mental health services that are tailored to the specific needs of Black people are more likely to be effective. If you are a practitioner who regularly posts to social media, try discussing the importance of mental health check-ins and even small ways individuals can give back to themselves, even in the most trying times.
While the internet is vast, there are quick ways practitioners can begin to improve mental health outcomes through social media. It is essential to remember that a client’s mental health should always be the first priority. With that in mind, consider ways to make your online presence affirming and helpful to those who need it most.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2021). Stress in America™: The Impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/10/covid-19-mental-health
- Beyens, I., Vanderlinden, J., & Baert, S. (2021). Should mental health practitioners receive more training on anti-racism? Clinical Psychology Review, 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102733
- Green-Laughlin, K. (2020). Grief in the time of COVID: How the pandemic is affecting mental health. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/grief-in-the-time-of-covid-how-the-pandemic-is-affecting-mental-health-146717
- Jacobs, M., & Burch, A. E. (2021). Anxiety during the Pandemic: Racial and ethnic differences in the trajectory of fear. Journal of affective disorders, 292, 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.027
- National Alliance on Mental Illness . (2020) mental health in the Black community. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-News/August-2020/Mental-Health-in-the-Black-Community?fbclid=IwAR2j_OcZX7OMzfIxRy0eSP3Vyv
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). What mental health providers should know about serving Black Americans. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/serving-Black-americans/index.shtml
- Simon, G. E., Ludman, E. J., Operskalski, B., Wang, S., & Ross-Durow, P. L. (2020). Predictors of mental health service use among adults with mental illness in the United States. Annals of internal medicine, 173(7), 476–485
- Singer, A. (2021). The mental health crisis among Black Americans is only getting worse. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2021/02/the-mental-health-crisis-among-Black-americans-is-only-getting-worse
