A Mental Health Moment
By Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, LPCC, LLC
The Truth Contributor
To begin to understand dysfunction, let’s look at a few examples of what that means for families. Dysfunction for families can come in various forms and, once started, those forms morph into other issues that affect each family member and each family member’s mental health. Divorce, differing religious beliefs, generational changes, losing strong heads of households and families and as the list goes on and on, how lies, deceit and gossip within the families is usually the main ingredient to be considered dysfunctional.
For many African Americans, family is a source of strength and resilience. But what happens when that same family dynamic becomes a source of pain, trauma or dysfunction? The impact on mental health can be deep and long-lasting — yet, often unspoken. Some families do not see how treating others within the family can have such a negative posture that is so long lasting, nothing can remedy the relationships.
Dysfunctional family patterns—such as abuse, neglect, lack of communication or emotional invalidation—can lead to chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Black adults in the U.S. are more likely to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, yet are less likely to seek mental health treatment due to stigma and access barriers.
Thema Bryant, PhD, a licensed psychologist and president of the American Psychological Association, notes, “Healing begins with naming the pain and challenging the silence that has protected generational trauma.”
How to Begin Healing:
- Therapy: Seeking culturally competent therapy can be a turning point. Organizations like Therapy for Black Girls and Therapy for Black Men offer directories of Black therapists who understand the cultural context behind family dynamics. You may also look to www.psychologytoday.com to filter out your own preferences.
- Support Groups: Talking with others who have similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation. Groups through NAMI or The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation provide safe spaces for connection.
- Journaling and Mindfulness: Writing and meditation help process emotions and break reactive patterns that often stem from childhood.
- Setting Boundaries: Learning to set healthy boundaries, even with family, is vital. It’s not disrespect—it’s self-respect.
Healing from dysfunctional family trauma is not easy, but it is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. By accessing support and speaking openly about mental health, we can break generational cycles and build healthier futures.
Take a mental health moment to think about your own family dynamics. Are you part of the problem or are you part of the solution? Having a family is such a blessing and source of support. Treat each other kindly and respectfully. Help each other when possible; and it’s not possible when family members are behaving in a way to continue patterns of separation. As summer approaches, warmer months allow us to get outdoors to celebrate backyard cookouts and family reunions, memorials, holidays and much more. It’s wonderful to be able to participate and come together as a family as opposed to separating due to past pain, hurt, trauma and gossip.
Bernadette Joy Graham, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist can be reached via Email: graham.bernadette@gmail.com
If you feel you may be in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.