Unmasking black men's mental health: The impact of social determinants

This chapter illuminates a critical, often overlooked aspect of mental health, social determinants affecting Black men. While mental health is a universal concern, the unique experiences and challenges of Black men require specific attention. The authors dissect the complex web of social determinants shaping Black men's mental health, including historical legacies of racism and discrimination, intersectionality, and structural factors like healthcare access, education, employment, and housing. Cultural influences and family dynamics are explored alongside the resilience within Black communities. This chapter confronts the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities and addresses multifaceted barriers to care. It showcases community-based interventions and effective, culturally sensitive, mental health promotion models while discussing policy recommendations and advocacy for equitable mental health outcomes.