Josh Hubbins talks mental fitness and the man in the mirror

Cognitive behavioural therapist Josh Hubbins is dedicating his life to improving mental health

Josh Hubbins

ACCORDING TO Mental Health charity Mind, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind, while one in six people report experiencing a common mental health issue (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.

With the likes of high-profile global celebrities such as Prince Harry, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Taraji P Henson and David Harewood all having admitted to having had personal battles with their mental health, a subject which had for many decades been taboo among many is now beginning to become a normalised point of conversation with celebrities whom are adored by many saying that it is okay to not be okay, and that those experiencing mental health challenges should open up to those they trust.

Such is the work of Josh Hubbins – a cognitive behavioural therapist and mental fitness coach based in Croydon – who
comes across such cases on a daily basis.

The 29-year-old British-born Jamaican, originally from Wolverhampton, moved to south London three years ago where he has been providing therapy to those experiencing difficulties with the way that they think and helping them to find practical solutions which will enable them to reach their goals along their journey to positive mental health.

The second eldest of seven siblings, Josh found himself pursuing a career in therapy after graduating from university with a degree in psychology, as well as having been influenced by the work of his parents.

“There was an ethos in my family of helping others less fortunate than ourselves.

“My father did a lot of youth work, drugs training and mentoring – as did my grandma,” he says.

“My mother trained and qualified as a nurse before establishing a career in the charity sector. They heavily influenced my decision to take up a career helping others.”

“I decided to become a cognitive behavioural therapist and mental fitness coach because mental health is my passion, I love listening to others and want to help those experiencing difficulties develop practical skills for overcoming their challenges,” he adds.

When statistics relating to mental ill health among the black African and Caribbean diaspora are widely disseminated, it can often make for rather bleak viewing.

Rates of mental health problems can be higher for some BAME groups than for white people. For example, according to the Mental Health Foundation:
• Black men are more likely to have experienced a psychotic disorder in the past year than white men.
• Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than white people (mental-health.org.uk/a-to-z/b/black-a s i a n – a n d – m i n o r i t y- e t hn i c -bame-communities).

There are a number of factors contributing to mental ill health within the black community, including racism and discrimination, social and economic inequalities and mental health stigma.

Yet while these may be the case for many within the black community experiencing mental ill health, Josh takes his role as a therapist seriously in that as a man of colour himself, he can empathise and assist his clients in finding some of the practical solutions needed to help them on their road to recovery.

“It is important that my clients are reassured in knowing that they have a safe space to speak to someone about what’s on their mind and that they are not alone in their struggle, as mental health is something that we all experience, whether directly or indirectly.

“The key is training both body and mind and nurturing them equally, so you are the best you can be.

“Positive mental health requires bravery to take an honest look at ourselves in the mirror, recognise the struggle, be willing to seek the right support and become the best version of ourselves.”

Josh believes that positive self-image and solidarity within the black community as a whole plays a vital role in the promotion of positive mental health within the community.

“Over the past year, there has been a lot more solidarity within the black community, including movements which have been promoting success in the black community.

“Marcus Rashford’s free school meals campaign, the Kick it Out campaign during the Euros, out of inspiration for the Black Lives Matter marches the creation of Black Minds Matter UK (blackmindsmatteruk.com) and continued coverage of such events within respected organisations such as The Voice have all made a positive difference.

“When we as a community are able to see such positive images of ourselves within the mainstream media, it contributes positively not only to our own sense of worth, self-image and esteem but also to our overall mental health and wellbeing, too.”

While waiting lists for those of black African and Caribbean backgrounds seeking therapy has often been long, once the process is in place, it can offer a lifeline to many looking to bounce back from moments where mental ill health is experienced.

While mental ill health does also continue to be highest amongst those within the black community, Josh feels there are some practical steps individuals can take on a journey towards positive mental health. He says: “Often, the secret to success is found in your routine. Getting adequate amounts of sleep plays a huge role – early to bed and early to rise really helps.

“Eating a healthy, well-balanced, nutritious meal, supplemented with regular exercise – even in small daily amounts. Then, finally but perhaps most importantly, not keeping your emotions bottled up inside.

“Talk to someone you trust – a family member, a close friend or even seeking professional help from a counsellor or therapist – these small but significant steps will ultimately lead you to a better place and make yourself the man or woman in the mirror you want to be.”

Black British Voices

Comments Form

2 Comments

  1. | J

    Great story and insight

    Reply

  2. | M. O’Keefe

    Excellent write-up! It’s great to read such positive stories concerning mental health and the beneficial resources available.

    Thank you

    Reply

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