Black Men and Mental Health: Navigating Holiday Pressures with Khalid Scott

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For far too long, Black men have been expected to shoulder immense pressures from both society and our communities, often in silence. When it comes to mental health, this silence has devastating consequences. Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among Black men aged 15-24, and rates are climbing among middle-aged men—a sobering reminder of the challenges faced during this critical life stage.

This rise is fueled by societal and cultural pressures, untreated mental health challenges, and stigma around seeking help. For many, these struggles go unspoken, leading to a dangerous intersection of stress, grief, and isolation. The holiday season, while joyful for some, often magnifies these feelings, pushing those already vulnerable closer to the edge.

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome back my fraternity brother, Khalid Scott. Khalid brings over 27 years of experience in social work and mental health services, specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse counseling. He is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the Black community and the perfect voice for this critical conversation.

Together, we unpack the unique pressures Black men face, particularly during the holiday season, and discuss the importance of seeking help, encouraging one another, and utilizing the resources available. This episode isn’t just for Black men—it’s for anyone who wants to understand, support, or start their own journey toward mental wellness. Don’t suffer in silence. Let’s break the stigma, change the narrative, and leave a legacy of strength and healing.
Episode Highlights:

• The cultural and societal pressures impacting Black men’s mental health
• The rising suicide rates among Black men
• The effects of the holiday season on mental health and the importance of addressing these challenges
• Encouragement for men to seek help, support each other, and utilize available mental health resources
• Breaking the stigma around mental health and fostering open, supportive conversations

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis or emotional distress
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
  Free, confidential support from trained counselors via text
• Therapy for Black Men: therapyforblackmen.org
  A directory of Black male therapists and resources
• Black Men Heal: blackmenheal.org
  Free and low-cost therapy services for men of color
• Psychology Today: psychologytoday.com
  A comprehensive directory of mental health professionals

If you’re ready to grow your legacy and make a lasting impact, I’d love to connect with you. Whether it’s about securing the right insurance, exploring business solutions, or discussing how to protect and build your legacy, let’s start the conversation. You’re invited to schedule a Legacy Snapshot—a 15-minute session where we can explore how Savage Family Office can help you achieve your goals. Together, we’ll work to ensure that what you build today will stand strong for future generations. Schedule your Legacy Snapshot today and let’s take the first step towards leaving the pile higher.
Are you passionate about building your legacy or know someone with an inspiring story to share? We’re always looking for impactful guests to join the show. If you’d like to be considered as a guest or have questions about an episode, please send an email to [e-mail].