The Let’s Go Show with Doug Reed is excited to partner with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) @apa_foundation to bring meaningful conversation surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of African American/Black (AA/B) Men and Boys, and the allies who love them.

Stay tuned for one of these impactful conversations with APAF’s Rawle Andrews Jr @mr_rawle, Dr. Amanda Calhoun @amandajoymd and Rev. Jermaine Alberty @jdalberty on all podcast streams, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (#Juneteenth).

Historically, men and boys have been taught to hide their feelings and deal with problems quietly. This is especially true for AA/B men and boys. It’s really important to create safe places, both online and offline, where they can talk openly about their feelings. Talking about mental health helps manage stress and opens up avenues to get help when needed.

One big issue for AA/B men and boys is “high-effort coping” or “hustle culture,” also known as “John Henryism.” This means they feel they have to work twice as hard to prove they are equal, especially when facing tough situations. This can lead to high stress and health problems like depression and high blood pressure. “High-effort coping” is a harmful habit that can be very dangerous.

The APAF encourages honest conversations about this issue. We need to move from a “man up” attitude to understanding that asking for help when needed is a sign of strength. Health professionals also need to be aware of these struggles to provide better care that meet the needs of AA/B men and boys.

We want to “normalize” conversations around mental health; but not make the mentally ill feel or seem abnormal.

#dreedletsgoshow #podcast #blackmen #blackboys #mentalhealth #investinyourmentalwealth💚 #justakidfromcincy

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