Depression is an often misunderstood term in our community. Some believe that only weak people are depressed and some have the notion that it’s only a feeling. Dr. Erlanger Turner, Assistant Professor at University of Houston-Downtown, sits down with BlackDoctor.org to talk about Black men and depression, and what happens inside of a rehabilitation facility.
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BlackDoctor.org: Kid Cudi expressed that he didn’t know what feeling at peace was like. What is considered a normal mental state as opposed to the chaos that Kid Cudi felt?
Dr. Turner: Normal mental state is being able to make good judgments about decisions and being able to cope with normal life stress. As opposed to feeling distressed, worried or constantly overwhelmed by life. It must have been really difficult for Kid Cudi to work on being successful in his career while struggling with depression and anxiety. Which would reflect his feeling of being in “chaos.”
BlackDoctor.org: In your work with Black male patients what do you see is the biggest hurdle to their mental health?
Dr. Turner: I think one of biggest challenges with Black male patients is that they find it hard to talk about their feelings or be vulnerable in a therapy session. Often Black men are taught from a very young age to be tough. Society often expresses that it is not a masculine trait to be sad, cry, or talk about your feelings. As a psychologist, I have learned to meet patients where they are and not push them to soon to talk about feelings.