My brothers, it is all about YOU this month

 
Seldom do Black men get to be highlighted in a way that resonates with them as individuals or as a whole. The crux of your existence has been to shrink yourself and appease those around you under the guise of being “a good man”.
As a result of this self-sacrifice, our men are suffering from medical and mental health issues at an alarming rate. 
 
 
5 Health Issues Affecting Men
 
Mental Health Stigma
 
Men often face societal pressure to appear strong and resilient, which can make it difficult for them to seek help for mental health issues. This stigma is even more pronounced in the Black community, where seeking mental health care can sometimes be seen as a sign of weakness.
Black men are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety but are less likely to seek treatment 
01
Chronic Illness

 
Men are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. For Black men, the prevalence of these conditions is higher due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and disparities in healthcare access.
Black men have higher rates of heart disease and diabetes and are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white men
02
Access to Healthcare

 
Black men often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. This includes financial constraints, lack of insurance, and geographical barriers. Additionally, systemic racism in healthcare can lead to mistrust and reluctance to seek medical help.
14.8% of Black men are uninsured compared to 7.6% of white men
03
Mental Health Access

 
Access to mental health services is a major issue. Black men are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to their white counterparts. This can be due to a lack of culturally competent care, fear of discrimination, and limited availability of Black mental health professionals.
Only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men with anxiety or depression seek mental health services, compared to 45.4% of White men.
04
Rising Suicide Rates in Black Men

 
One of the most alarming trends in recent years is the rising suicide rate among Black men. Several factors contribute to this increase:
 
The suicide rate among Black men has risen by nearly 50% over the past decade,
05

 
This month I charge you to lay down old and unhealthy expectations of self, and start to treat yourself as the worthy and deserving man you are.
 
 
 
Black man; this month I charge you to show up for YOU! Tap into the little boy who seldom felt safe and free. 
  • Go frolicking
  • Treat yourself to your favorite ice cream
  • Find a pond and skip rocks
  • Find your favorite comic book series and re-read them
  • Grab lunch and a blanket and enjoy your meal in the park
  • Buy a plant and speak affirmations into it as if you were speaking to yourself
 
You deserve the freeness and simplicity of joy; tap into your #blackboyjoy for that inner child waiting to be seen.
As you live these experiences for your inner boy, tag @your.wellnessgarden on Instagram and use the hashtag #blackboyjoy
 
You are worthy and deserve the life and love you seek.
 
 
Also, as part of this month’s focus on Black men, I have begun planning for my men’s retreat in the spring of 2025.  This retreat will be a specially curated experience for Black men to heal in a safe space with a beautiful tropical background. I plan to partner with Antoine Trowers LICSW of Ubuntu Wellness, to bring this much needed experience to life.
Share this newsletter with a deserving man in your life who would benefit from this transformative experience. Send and email to wellnessgarden.pllc@gmail.com if you are interested in healing that inner boy who deserves to bring out his #blackboyjoy.
 
 
 
 
I’m a dualy board-certified adult and mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach to healing and mental wellness.
 
Isoke Baptiste
 
 
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6218 Georgia Ave NW Suite 1-433
WASHINGTON, DC 20011, United States