In Haiti, thee is not room to have a discussion on mental health. The political unrest, growing numbers of starvation, overwhelming fear of natural disasters, and lack of resources take priority over wellbeing. In fact, on average, a country from the Caribbean spends only 4.3 per cent of its healthcare budget on mental health. Which poses the question, "what would make Haitian men ask for help before they get to a crisis? What do they need to lead a fulfilling life?"
That is the dual challenge for Black men . First, they have to be careful about fitting in with what most people think is normal. Second, some people have wrong ideas about Haitian men. Which, is hurting the way they receive help for mental health problems.
So we ask, Haitian men, are you OK?
Meet licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida and Georgia, Matt Jeanius. A wellness professional for 19 years with a specialty in Black Male Wellness and Relational Intimacy.Â
There are unique mental health challenges uniquely faced by Haitian men and it shows up for first generation Caribbean Blacks. Studies shows that "higher risks for psychiatric disorders among Black Caribbean immigrants." (Williams, D. R., Haile, R., González, H. M., Neighbors, H., Baser, R., & Jackson, J. S. 2007) This stems from feeling more stressed and having a harder time moving up in society because you are Black in America.
Unique mental health challenges faced by Haitian menÂ
You will be surprised to hear that Haitian men are uniquely struggling with intimacy. "Specifically the lack of intimate relationships. This is a common space for a lot of men. Our society has done a great job in creating a narrative that men should be void of emotions. Simultaneously the man is consistently misjudged if he shows up with information as a solution", according to Jeanius.
Intimacy in relationships can look like:
Friendships that are essential to the soul. Like second family, friends make you feel at home no matter where you are. When life gets tough, they are in your corner and your strongest ally for when you are not ok.
Family is a wellness hack. When you actively participate in your family life, you create stronger family bonds and tighter community connections
Romantic relationship . Love brings the most positive emotions out even if it can cause pain. Finding love in a romantic partner can heal wounds you did not know existed.
Spiritual relationship and faith has always been a connection to emotional well-being for Black men. Specifically, its historical connection to freedom. Whether its physical bondage, spiritual bondage, or mental bondage, faith is how you unlock the shackles the burden you.
Looking at the different areas of where intimacy lives, Jeanius encourages that Haitian men has "to decide that intimacy is imperative for the success of all relationships and create spaces for men where emotions are bridges for imitate connections."
Signs you may be emotionally or physically unwell
Haitian Men,
Hiding your emotions can look like:
Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, including sex
Problems concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
Problems falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too muchÂ
Physical or emotional signs can look like:
Being reluctant to leave home or spend time with friendsÂ
Complaining of being a burden to the family
Gaining or losing weight due to changes in appetite
Sleeping too much or very littleÂ
Drinking more alcohol or using other drugs
Having frequent thoughts of suicide or talking about death a great deal
Tips men can use to taking care of themself
Jeanius suggests men to "know that you are deserving of wellness. Your current value is worth caring for. Give to yourself the same love you’ve been giving freely to others. Make space for your inner work. Take time away to experience l joy. Most importantly, remember that there is value is all your emotions, experience them all. "
How the Haitian community support men in living mindful mental and healthy lives
A mindful life where you feel healthy is possible. "Mental health should be a priority for men in the Haitian community. I believe that we can make space for Haitian men to address their mental issues. This means ending stigma associated with mental health, creating and supporting programs in the community, and having more Haitian led platforms dialogue on mental health", says Jeanius.
Additional resources to help the Haitian community thrive
Rebati Sante Mentale, a non-profit organization creating a brighter future for mental health in Haiti and for Haitians in the diaspora
Shades of ME: Melanated Emotions, a space providing culturally inclusive mental health resources led by Haitian psychologist Dr. Christine Sainvil
TherapyForBlackMen.Org, digital resources for Black men who heal led by Haitian therapist Vladimire Calixte and professional coach Benjamin Calixte.
Barbershops Speaks, intelligent discussions to enlighten, educate, and empower the community towards a more enriching life by Haitian founder Jeff Noel.
Baz, Blode, even it is ok to be ok you deserve to thrive; to experience life fully; to be loved; to build a family; to spread love and break unhealthy patterns.
Sources
Williams, D. R., Haile, R., González, H. M., Neighbors, H., Baser, R., & Jackson, J. S. (2007). The mental health of Black Caribbean immigrants: results from the National Survey of American Life. American journal of public health, 97(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.088211
Taylor, D. (2024) Dear black men, it’s okay to not be okay, EBONY. Available at: https://www.ebony.com/dear-black-men-its-okay-to-not-be-okay/
Brother, you’re on my mind toolkit (2017) NIMHD. Available at: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/byomm_fulltoolkit.pdf
Mental health discussions in the Haitian community are often limited to just says what. We want you to have it all, let us know if there are any mental health topics you think the Haitian community should know in the comments.
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