Black VoicesMental HealthStronger Togetherdepression

Black Men Are Giving Themselves A Space To Talk About Mental Health

Kid Cudi's post prompted black men to ask each other "#YouGoodMan?"
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By 

Black Voices Editor, HuffPost

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Kid Cudi announced that he has checked himself into rehab for “depression and suicidal urges.”
Michael Hickey via Getty Images

Kid Cudi shared that he is  treating his anxiety and depression on Tuesday, and his words have resonated with many.

“My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it,” the rapper wrote on Facebook. “I cant make new friends because of it. I [don’t] trust anyone because of it and [I’m] tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling.”

He sparked a conversation among social media users about the importance of mental health care and reiterated that even if depression feels like a lonely place, so many people can relate. Cudi simultaneously reminded everyone that black mental health matters.  

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of Minority Health, black people are 10 percent more likely to report having serious psychological distress than white people. There’s a stigma when it comes to black men talking about their mental health.

Despite being disproportionately affected by mental health conditions , black men in America have to deal with a lack of health care resources, a higher exposure to factors that can lead to developing a mental health condition, a lack of education about mental health and other factors that serve as barriers to getting proper help. 

This is why black men on social media are taking the conversation Cudi started even further. After Twitter user @DaynaLNuckolls suggested to @TheCosby that there should be a hashtag for black men to have a space to discuss mental health. They came up with #YouGoodMan.

The duo facilitated the conversation among their followers sharing literature and music about the subject. @TheCosby opened his direct messages for others to share their experiences with him. 

Take a look at some of the advice and experiences people are sharing using this hashtag:

Conversations like these among black people period need to continue. While the conversation about self care and mental wellness has recently become a talking point in the black community, especially in the aftermath of police killings, social media discussions like these provide a space to lift the mental health stigma among black men.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

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Before You Go

Male Celebrities On Mental Health
Zayn Malik(01 of10)
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The singer recently canceled his appearance at the Capital Summertime Ball in the U.K. due to issues from anxiety. Malik explained his condition in a Twitter and Instagram post, apologizing to his fans.

“Unfortunately, my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me,” he wrote in the statement. “With the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career.” (credit:Getty Images)
Wayne Brady(02 of10)
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After the death of actor Robin Williams in 2014, Brady opened up about the stigma around mental illness and his own experience with it to Entertainment Tonight.

"It took me a while to get my stuff together to go, 'You know what? If you're not happy, you have to do something about it,'" he said. "Just to admit that you are feeling this way is a huge step. To claim that, to say, 'Why do I feel dark? Why do I feel unhappy? Let me do something about this.'" (credit:Michael Boardman via Getty Images)
Bill Clinton(03 of10)
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Clinton advocated for better mental health policies when he was president, slamming the negative stereotypes surrounding the conditions during a radio address in 1999.

"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all," he stated. (credit:Brendan McDermid / Reuters)
Howie Mandel(04 of10)
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The comedian and TV show host has been honest in interviews about his experience with obsessive compulsive disorder and why it's important to seek therapy for the condition.

"We take care of our dental health. We don't take care of our mental health," he told CNN. "I think the solution to making this world better is if we would just be healthy, mentally." (credit:Araya Diaz via Getty Images)
Jon Hamm(05 of10)
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Hamm told U.K. magazine The Observer that treatment and medication allowed him to manage his mental health issues.

"I did do therapy and antidepressants for a brief period, which helped me," he said. "Which is what therapy does: it gives you another perspective when you are so lost in your own spiral... It helps." (credit:Mario Anzuoni / Reuters)
Brandon Marshall(06 of10)
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The Jets wide receiver hasn't been shy about advocating for mental health through his initiative Project 375. He also opened up about his own experience with borderline personality disorder in a HuffPost blog.

"We need to accept that mental illness is a disease — and like any other disease, it needs stronger research, early screening and treatment, especially for young people," he wrote. (credit:USA Today Sports / Reuters)
John Green(07 of10)
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The Fault In Our Stars author has previously tweeted about his personal experience with an anxiety disorder and also touted the benefits of seeking support when dealing with a mental health condition.

“There is hope. There is treatment,” he wrote to a fan in a Reddit AMA. “You are not alone, and while I know the struggle feels at times completely hopeless and futile, there is a far shore for the vast majority of people, and I wish you the best.” (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Jared Padalecki(08 of10)
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The actor told Variety magazine that he struggled with depression for many years. He shared an encouraging message with his fans going through the same experiences in the interview.

“I say constantly that there’s no shame in dealing with these things,” Padalecki told the magazine. “There’s no shame in having to fight every day, but fighting every day, and presumably, if you’re still alive to hear these words or read this interview, then you are winning your war. You’re here.” (credit:Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images)
Reid Ewing(09 of10)
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The "Modern Family" actor discussed his issues with body dysmorphia, a condition where a person obsesses over their physical looks, in a HuffPost blog. He also explained his history with eating disorders and his addiction to cosmetic surgery.

"In my case, my looks were the only thing that mattered to me," he wrote. "I had just moved to LA to become an actor and had very few, if any, friends. I’d sit alone in my apartment and take pictures of myself from every angle, analyzing every feature." (credit:Paul Archuleta via Getty Images)
Dwayne Johnson(10 of10)
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Johnson discussed his experience with depression on Oprah's "Master Class," where he explained how he learned the important lesson that he wasn't alone. He also shared a message with others who were dealing with a mental health issue.

"Have faith that on the other side of your pain is something good," he said. (credit:Juan Naharro Gimenez via Getty Images)
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