Reimagining Mental Health Discourse Among African Americans | Shaun J. Fletcher, PhD | TEDxSJSU

Did you know that African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population, including serious depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide? African Americans are also more likely to experience certain life circumstances that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition, including homelessness and exposure to violence. With this overwhelming threat to the African American community, perhaps what’s most tragic are the cultural barriers that often preclude African Americans from discussing the topic and seeking qualified professional help. These social barriers are deeply engrained and have been resistant to change across generations.
With the rising rate of suicide and other self-destructive behaviors related to mental health within the African American community, we need to enlarge the platform and opportunities to discuss it in a meaningful way. This talk is yet another battle against the social norms that have proven to have deadly consequences among African Americans. While highlighting aspects of the African American journey, the opportunity for enhanced discourse is relevant for all audiences. Dr. Shaun Fletcher is currently an Assistant Professor at San José State University in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Shaun has vast communications experience with corporate and non-profit organizations including Apple and Volkswagen Group of America, for whom he has provided counsel on strategic messaging, executive communications, employee engagement and diversity and inclusion. Dr. Fletcher also established a private consultancy where he works to upskill corporations around cultural diversity awareness, retention, and communications aimed at solving the employment diversity crisis in Silicon Valley.
Dr. Fletcher started his career with the Center for Health Futures within the Florida Hospital health system, working to resolve issues related to cultural competency among health practitioners. His research and interests include diversity & inclusion, unconscious bias, career and life resilience, and mental health within underrepresented communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@EricMHowardII-yh1rn]

Thank you for sharing what happened to you as a human being.

[@normanthompson6482]

You knocked this out of the park bro✊🏾

[@lashondagordon915]

We needed to hear a male speak on this painful generational experience. Thank you

[@karenbates9635]

Thank you for sharing your journey 🙏 😊 ☺️

[@izdotcarter]

Thank you brother

[@Don35]

Thank you brotha......you've articulated the experience of so many African American men......unfortunately, many feel its our cross to carry in this life.....we know and need therapy.....

[@1FrontStreetJay]

I pray for everyone going through any type of depression

[@jaeallen5412]

Shaun J. Fletcher Ph.D , thank you so very much , this was so powerful, inspirational, and empowering. Thank you very much. I will value this video/episode. Thank you again.

[@tyantoine356]

Using this as a source in my speech, this is incredible, thank you.

[@tyantoine356]

Shaun Fletcher I did really really good on it thank you for being a resource we need more ❤️✊🏽

[@lisaincolor4289]

Sending thanks to this brotha for his transparency and Ted Talks for having a diverse platform ❤

[@5thdimensionliving727]

Incredible talk 🙏🙏 so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your personal journey. So helpful and informative 🙏🙏

[@EricMHowardII-yh1rn]

Mental health Fitness is a real challenge in connection to depression, anxiety, crime and suicide this situation needs to change now .
More understanding about mental health fitness challenges needs to be addressed truthfully because of indifference concerning these issues does not help matters at all. The American nation has a new challenge to overcome.

[@shaunfletcherphd1131]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Thank you!

[@Josodivine]

Nah thank you for this!

[@columbusgurl4382]

THANK YOU!!!!! 🙏🏾

[@NeeceyTre23]

This talk right here hit hard!

[@coachrush22]

Powerful

[@ohnojojo2262]

Why am I crying damn

[@frankandrews1461]

This is Powerful thank you for speaking on this topic.

[@Creaperla]

Listening and keen to learn

[@ladyj5682]

Great job!!! Very informative, encouraging, and eye opening. True growth material here

[@robertschreur5138]

Thank you. 10-minute marker

[@wellbodisalone]

This was an encouraging speech. There are many things to learn from him.

[@sandrafrancis2181]

Very interesting and reflecting.

[@noctemaeternam8376]

So powerful

[@methkhan55]

Man I'm hard to break but I'm really crying for you now you been through unimaginable pAin

[@smallbizdoc8224]

The same thing happened to me
Stroke symptoms

[@k_thementalhealthcoach3973]

Very true!

[@deyemondnicole9183]

ive experienced this same thing. Then I figured it out.

[@sandrafrancis2181]

Appreciate it, wanna help.

[@normanthompson6482]

There are always precursors before a final episode

[@jaeallen5412]

I so agree

[@1FrontStreetJay]

🙏🏾

[@ronicaferreira2154]

🙏🏽

[@JustnCase]

DST journaling helps with my CPTSD. ACES from my community because they hate hybrids!
I totally see where RAP came from. And see the difference in the performer who Screams it out! Getting Paid! Dave Chapelle $20m same message bro Malcom delivered to a Christian church and got shot!

[@curtismabry5658]

Are you ok... "halp"

[@deyemondnicole9183]

i cant hear it. Its so low