Watching @HowtoADHD’s video sharing what it’s like to have #ADHD and be #Black took me back to my Masters degree, when we covered Schizophrenia. At the time you were 24 times more likely to be (mid)diagnosed if you’re Afro-Caribbean and male. Numerous reasons, from racism 1/7

To how different communities present mental health symptoms and how the (white) medical community may interpret this. So ‘Man with mental health issues struggling to be understood by a doctor.’ vs ‘scary, angry, Black male’. 2/7

This of course meant the treatment differs. Less listening and more prescription of drugs to ‘reduce the risk to themselves and others’. The the impact this had on patients was huge. And often the underlying mental health issues were still being ignored. 3/7

This was over 20 years ago and I my recall is probably not doing the research justice. Its moved on, but the challenge to diagnose and provide early intervention and appropriate treatment for some people remains an issue. 4/7

However, this module helped open my eyes to #race in new ways. How eugenics influenced some of the early research and texts. Much the same way an earlier history class about the America West and the genocide of First Nations educated me too. 5/7

I guess what I’m saying is seeking out and reading, watching, listening to other folks stories is an easy way to educate yourself on the lives of other people. So you stop seeing them as other and see them just as people. 6/7

Also, looking back today, I realise the fact I got my best grade ever for this module and it was noted that I really understand the topic was perhaps linked to my undiagnosed #ADHD. Perhaps the mental health struggles were relatable. 7/7