February is Black History month

Feb 2, 2023

This Black History Month, we honour the work of Black Canadians, past and present, to the field of mental health in Canada. Despite ongoing systemic racism and unequal opportunities, African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians continue to make significant contributions to this field.

Over the last 20 years, the Black population in Canada has doubled in size and there are now close to 1.2 million Black Canadians, representing around 3.5% of the total population. Yet, Black individuals face disproportionately high rates of discrimination and racism. As a result, Black people experience alarming and disproportionate rates of psychological distress, and mental health symptoms and illnesses. For instance, rates of depression amongst Black individuals were found to be six times higher than the general population. A shortage of Black therapists and the high costs of services continue to make it challenging for Black people to access the support they need and deserve. Even finding family physicians – who often serve as a gateway to mental health – is more difficult for Black people in Canada. Plus, a recent study found that over 53% of Black participants experienced significant racism when interacting with healthcare professionals.

While racial discrimination can cause mental health distress, the current system is not well set up to support Black Canadians’ mental health needs. We believe that every person in Canada has the right to free mental health care and substance use health care when they need it.

To learn more about Black History Month, check out: 

• Black History Month
• February is Black History Month in Canada

The featured painting is titled Lady Indigo by artist Apanaki Temtayo Minerve.