• Resources
  • Mental Health
  • Alberta Black Therapists Network (ABTN)

Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being at Black Business Edmonton

Black Business Edmonton is committed to supporting the community in business and overall well-being, including mental health. We are passionate about promoting mental well-being through seminars, open discussions, and connecting individuals with professional help. One of our key missions is to create a community where members can learn, share, and access the support they need to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.
Contact ABTN

Understanding Mental Health in the Black Community

As Black people, we do not talk enough about mental health and its implications when not addressed. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act every day, and it is essential to recognize that mental health and mental illness are not the same. Mental health refers to your overall emotional well-being, while mental illness involves specific conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. For example, someone can have good mental health but still experience occasional Stress. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and starts affecting your daily life, it could lead to a mental health concern that requires attention. Here is a link to learn more about  Stress.

Common Mental Health Challenges

Depression, for instance, is a common mental illness that brings deep sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Anxiety involves constant worry and fear, making it hard to concentrate or relax, and Bipolar disorder causes intense mood swings, from active highs to severe lows. Even excessive stress, when left unchecked, can develop into more severe conditions like anxiety or depression. In some cases, medication may be necessary and encouraged, but not all mental health challenges require medication. Talking to a qualified professional can often help guide through healing, and many people benefit from counselling and other therapeutic methods. Here is a link to learn more about Depression.

Acculturation and Its Impact on Mental Health

Acculturation, the process of adapting to a new culture, can cause mental health challenges, especially among immigrants and refugees. Black individuals and those from immigrant communities often face unique struggles while balancing traditions from their original culture with the new environment. This pressure to fit in while holding onto one’s identity can cause stress, confusion, and mental health concerns.

Feelings of isolation, anxiety, or stress from navigating these cultural differences are common but important to address. Seeking support from professionals who understand these experiences can help ease the transition and support your mental well-being.

Breaking the Stigma: Seeking Professional Help

For many in the Black community, mental health is sometimes overlooked, with individuals struggling in silence due to stigma or a lack of resources. It is important to seek help when you feel overwhelmed, persistently sad, anxious, or if stress is interfering with your daily life. Professional support is available through certified psychologists and counsellors who specialize in addressing these concerns.

If you are unsure about your mental health or need someone to talk to, click the link below to book an assessment or speak to a therapist directly. Reaching out is a strong and positive step toward healing.

Help is Available

The Alberta Black Therapists Network (ABTN) is a group of Black mental health professionals offering support to individuals facing mental health challenges. ABTN professionals understand racialized trauma and provide anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally-informed counselling, with a focus on resilience and well-being.

Please click the link below for more information and how to get help:

Scroll to Top