Let's talk mental health in Black boys! Our guests, Mr. Egbo, The Counseling Coach, and The Good Doc, join us to discuss the challenges faced by Black boys and their parents when seeking therapy and support. One of the major issues highlighted is the lack of representation of Black male therapists, making it difficult for families to find someone who understands their unique experiences. Additionally, the high cost of therapy and the limited availability of therapists who accept insurance further hinder access to mental health services.
We also explore the limitations of school counselors, who are often overwhelmed with various responsibilities, leaving them with little time for providing adequate support to students. We also discuss recognizing signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in boys.
The episode also goes into the importance of addressing societal issues, particularly regarding African American students. We highlight the need for African American students to be both academically successful and true to themselves. our guests share their personal experiences of facing racism and the need to hide their expressive self in certain spaces, showing the impact of societal attitudes on mental health.
We hear a story of our host's son's behavior being misunderstood as ADHD, leading them to seek a black pediatrician's second opinion. The pediatrician assured them that their son was simply bored and not being challenged, highlighting the importance of understanding individual learning styles and engaging students in different ways. The episode also emphasizes the significance of instilling confidence in children and the challenges they face in today's society.
The power of kids, especially through social media, is discussed, but the importance of numbers and representation in education is emphasized. The episode mentions a project that focuses on creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent students and applauds the efforts of one guest in establishing a music studio for students. The episode also stresses the importance of mental health literacy within cultural communities and the pressure placed on children to meet high academic standards, leading to anxiety and self-harm behaviors.
We all share our parenting approaches, prioritizing understanding and support over punishment, in an effort to break the cycle of unhealed trauma and promote mental health awareness among parents. The episode concludes with our experiences as a teachers and the impact they have on their students. Our guests unique qualities as male role models and their dedication to finding relevant teaching approaches resonate with the students and have solidified their passion for education.
Tune in to Ridgemont4sFinest-The Podcast for an in-depth discussion on mental health in Black boys and the importance of creating a supportive environment for their well-being.
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