beyondthepointuk

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

The reality is some Nature spaces are not welcoming and may not feel safe, due to the lack of inclusivity, physical accessibility, the fear of discrimination, sexual harassment and Racism.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Loving the theme of Nature for mental health awareness week 2021, however, can we really, talk about Nature, and mental health without talking about environmental racism?

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Therefore not only is there less opportunity for the well-being benefit of connecting with nature as a result of access barriers, but these are precisely the groups within our population who are most at risk of mental health problems.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Internalised racism is a hidden wound, and continues to plague Black Indigenous and POC. Rooted in this is shame, guilt and pain. We know this because of the lack of conversation around colourism. We see it in the detrimental impact internalised racism has on identity development

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Black women remain excluded from discussions of mental health.The lack of data on Black women and their mental health in the UK still stands. So...next week is #MentalHealthWeek 2021 and I challenge those contributing to include information about Black women & their mental health

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Within dominant cultures; the rejection that is endured by Black women is rooted in European standards of beauty, oppressive structures and devaluing messages from dominant cultures. This rejection, This racism, is often internalised and is harmful to the identity of Black women.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Is the trigger warning enough?
The plastering of footage that documents Racial Trauma; Black Trauma all over social Media is not normal, nor should it be normalised. Not only is it desensitizing, but it has a detrimental and lasting impact on mental health & emotional wellbeing.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Just so you know, theoretical approaches, whether focused on attachment theory or informed by trauma methods, singularly or together, neither are enough to address oppression or racism in mental health work when working with Black, Asian, Indigenous or Minority Ethnic people.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

And when I say, often Black people are unable to and seldom permitted the space to process, grieve, or mourn - I mean it. I stated it was grief. I was right in saying so. However, I failed to highlight that intertwined with these feelings are the symptoms of Racial Trauma.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Eurocentric and dominant perspectives are often the standard for which all experiences are measured. Related to this is the lack of research concerning mental health and BME People. As well as the implications this has on assessments, outcomes, and diagnosis BME people receive.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Where there is historical mistrust there is an unquestioning need for Mental health practitioners to connect with individuals histories, trauma and the historical context for which the mistrust is rooted. This allows for better understanding of worldviews, values, & perspectives.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Can we stop romanticising "difference", particularly the concept that we are all equal because of our differences? It's redundant, and it takes away from the complex and nuanced experiences that occur because of “difference“.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

When working with marginalised individuals, a sense of safety is needed. If a client is not speaking or communicating about their experiences of oppression, have you created a safe space for them? Or are you caught in the unconscious processes that define recognition trauma?

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

"In order to work with Recognition Trauma, we must be aware of our responses to racism in our daily lives and how these experiences impact our intimate relationships with Peer Groups and with our clients, no matter what race they are"(McKenzie-Mavinga, 2009).

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

To understand and engage with deep feelings of fear and guilt awoken by racism is to seize the opportunity to promote different exchanges which examine the influence of racism and the connected emotional blocks; conversations are elevated and less controlled by fears of racism.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

#AntiRacismDay seems like an excellent opportunity to emphasise that it is 100% NOT the responsibility of Black, Asian, or Indigenous people to educate you about racism. And, calling yourself an ally or anti-racist requires much more than a superficial contribution to a hashtag.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

What transpired with Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood on The Talk is a perfect example of what happens when racism overwhelms discussions. Usually, there is an emphasis on white peoples feelings and is often centred by a person's fear about identifying with the oppressor.

[beyondthepointuk @beyondthepoint2]

Btw comments such as "just a stupid question," "casually racist", and "it might just be curiosity". Is something Black people are all too familiar with; it is racism, and these comments are an attempt to minimise the abuse and ultimately uphold fragile structures of thinking.