by Jarrette Wright-Booker MA, LPC, CAADC

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) isn’t just about flashbacks or nightmares—it’s a real mental health challenge that can leave people feeling disconnected and weighed down by lingering memories. In many Black communities, especially here in Detroit, conversations around mental health—and PTSD in particular—can feel taboo. But here’s the reality: talking openly about trauma can shatter the silence, foster real support, and lead us toward meaningful healing.
Why PTSD Stigma Persists in Black Communities
Many Black families take pride in resilience. We’re often told to keep going, pray it away, or just power through. That leaves little room for vulnerability or acknowledging emotional struggles. When we mix in systemic racism, limited mental health resources, and cultural expectations, it’s easy to see why so many of us end up carrying the weight alone.
PTSD in Detroit’s Black Community
PTSD can arise from various forms of trauma—not just war or a single violent event. Long-term exposure to racial trauma, community violence, or repeated microaggressions can all contribute to PTSD. Maybe you constantly feel on guard, avoid certain places, or struggle with unsettling dreams. When left unaddressed, PTSD symptoms can seep into your work, relationships, and overall well-being, making every day feel like an uphill battle.
Why Talking About PTSD Is Crucial
1. Ending the Shame
By sharing our experiences, we remind each other that we’re not alone. This challenges the outdated notion that seeking help signals weakness.
2. Building Community Support
Openness fosters connection. Whether it’s talking with a supportive friend, joining a local therapy group, or engaging in online discussions, honest dialogue paves the way for empathy and unity.
3. Encouraging Early Intervention
Recognizing PTSD early on can lead to faster access to professional help—whether through therapy, medication, or community-based resources. Even one conversation can be the push someone needs.
Famous Black Voices Leading the Way
Seeing high-profile figures discuss mental health helps normalize the conversation. Here are a few influential voices:
- Taraji P. Henson – Openly discusses her struggles with anxiety and depression; launched a foundation to promote mental health awareness in the Black community.
- Charlamagne Tha God – Talks about anxiety and encourages Black men to consider therapy.
- Michelle Obama – Her honesty about stress and emotional struggles reminds us that no one is immune to mental health challenges.
How to Start the Conversation
Find or Create Safe Spaces
Seek spaces—whether online forums, local support groups in Detroit, or trusted family gatherings—where open, judgment-free discussions are encouraged.
Use Media & Resources
Listening to a podcast, reading an article, or watching a documentary about PTSD can be a great icebreaker for deeper conversations.
Offer Understanding
Healing looks different for everyone. Approach PTSD topics with empathy and patience, recognizing that everyone’s journey unfolds at its own pace.
Reaching Out for Help Is a Sign of Strength
We’re not meant to heal alone. If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, consider reaching out to one of our a Detroit-based therapists at Introspective Counseling. We understand the unique challenges within the Black community. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you value your well-being enough to seek support.
By openly discussing PTSD, we move beyond the silence that often surrounds mental health. Resilience doesn’t have to mean isolation. It can mean finding courage in community, seeking professional help when needed, and reshaping the narrative around emotional well-being. Your experiences and insights matter, and by sharing them, you can help others find the confidence to address their own trauma head-on.