Breaking the Silence: Jor-El Caraballo on Mental Health for Black Men

In an era where mental health conversations are gaining momentum, few voices resonate as powerfully as Jor-El Caraballo’s. As a therapist, author, and co-founder of Viva Mental Health & Wellness, Caraballo is dedicated to empowering Black men and boys to navigate their emotional landscapes.

It wasn’t always this way. Jor-El’s journey into the world of mental health began during his time at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. A pivotal encounter with a psychology professor opened his eyes to the intricacies of mental wellness—igniting a passion that would lead him to earn advanced degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. Today, he holds a position as a licensed mental health counselor and has authored three impactful books that tackle self-care and emotional exploration.

In a recent conversation, we explored the complexities surrounding mental health for Black men, revealing layers of vulnerability, cultural expectations, and emotional resilience. Here’s a look into those enlightening discussions.

Creating Space for Vulnerability

Experience Life: It can be tough to break through the walls of hypermasculinity. How do we encourage Black men to embrace their vulnerability when cultural norms seem to contradict that?

Jor-El Caraballo: The key is to create spaces where vulnerability is normalized. Think about it. If a Black man can sit down with a close friend or a therapist and share his feelings, it lays the groundwork for more honest emotional exchanges. This starts from tiny gestures—a simple question like, “How are you?”—that can mean so much more than “Fine” or “Cool.”

I strive to embody that visible vulnerability in my work. Being a Black male therapist, I aim to challenge the hypermasculine standards and say, “It’s okay if you don’t meet these stereotypes.” We need spaces—be it community events or even through the words in a book—where men can express their emotions without fear.

Recognizing Depression’s Unique Signs

Experience Life: When it comes to mental health, how do symptoms of depression manifest differently in Black men compared to others?

Caraballo: The stereotype of depression often leans towards sadness—people think you should just look sad. But for many Black men, it often presents as irritability, anger, or an emotional numbness. This could manifest in sleeping more or less, eating habits that change drastically, or a general loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy.

It isn’t just about feeling bad; it’s about how it impacts daily life. Sometimes the signs are hidden beneath layers of behavior, which can make it all the more difficult to address.

The Weight of Being “The Only One”

Experience Life: I wonder how being the only Black person in predominantly white spaces affects mental and emotional well-being?

Caraballo: That’s a heavy burden. Black men often feel they have to represent their entire race in those environments, which brings its own set of anxieties. Whether it’s facing microaggressions or enduring the pressure of imposter syndrome, it’s exhausting.

When you’re constantly navigating a space filled with hostility or subtle challenges, it chips away at your sense of self. You’re suppressing your own emotions to keep up with expectations—both external and internal. It’s a reality that many don’t even realize affects them until it becomes overwhelming.

Systematic Injustice and Mental Health

Experience Life: How does systemic injustice contribute to the mental health struggles faced by Black men?

Caraballo: I refer to this as the “burden of being a brute.” This stereotype assumes that Black men are supposed to be strong and resilient, but historically, it comes from the pain of our past. That expectation can be crushing, as it denies our humanity.

We’re often left to deal with these internal struggles alone, essentially forced to mask our emotions. This inability to express vulnerability means that people can feel isolated, with no one truly understanding what they’re going through.

The Path to Healing

Experience Life: What are some first steps towards healing? How can we break the cycles of generational trauma?

Caraballo: Healing starts with acknowledgment. We need to call out racism and the impact it has had on our lives. Being able to say, “Yes, this has affected me” is crucial.

Once we name the injury, we can begin to heal. Discussions about racism shouldn’t shy away from emotional truths; it’s about recognizing the full breadth of our experiences and planning actionable steps forward.

Cultivating Hope in Challenging Times

Experience Life: It seems like hope is hard to come by. How can we instill that in Black men and boys?

Caraballo: The answer often lies in our history. We’ve had immense resilience over generations, and looking back at how our ancestors navigated hardship can provide blueprints for today.

Stories of survival, community, and culture can inspire hope. What did our grandparents or great-grandparents do during tough times? They sang, they danced, they built community. There are plenty of lessons to draw from these rich narratives to fuel us today.

Why This Matters

Jor-El Caraballo’s insights resonate on multiple levels. They remind us that mental health isn’t just an individual battle; it’s a communal effort that requires understanding and compassion. In the context of Black men, the struggle becomes even more layered, requiring a conscious effort to unpack societal expectations and personal emotional wounds.

The real takeaways here? We need to normalize conversations about feelings, create safe spaces for expression, and empower individuals to break the silence around their emotions. The larger community can play a role in this too, by lifting each other up, sharing stories, and fostering understanding.

Reflecting on Caraballo’s words resonates deeply. It’s a call to action for anyone—from family members to friends and even coworkers—to engage in these critical conversations. We all have a part to play in dismantling stigmas, celebrating vulnerability, and advocating for mental health awareness.

So, what can you do? Maybe it starts with a simple question to someone you care about. It might open a door to a meaningful conversation that not only helps them but enriches everyone involved.

In a world where mental health is often sidelined, let’s make it a priority—not just for ourselves but for our brothers, fathers, and friends. Because together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.