We know from speaking to Disabled young people that they are more disproportionately affected by mental health struggles. And for Black Disabled young people, racism and inequalities can make their experience of mental health more complex.
Here are a few things that Black Disabled young people told us help them to feel more hopeful and represented.
- content that celebrates their whole identity
- content that they can relate to
- content that is honest and real
Everything you’ll find on this page has been created by Black Disabled young people and content creators. Their content is honest, real and personal to their experiences.
Whether you identify as being Disabled or not, we want this page to provide you with hope, joy and reassurance that every part of your identity can and should be celebrated.
Charis's story
How my deaf and autism diagnosis changed my life
Watch this video to hear Charis' story in their own words or watch a short version.
Video description: Charis is a Black young person wearing glasses and a blue jumper. They are standing in a room and telling their story using British Sign Language.
7 minute watch
It’s like my mind can be put to rest. I’m no longer questioning my behaviour and thoughts 24/7. I can just live life to the fullest.
A few short daily reminders
You matter
Video description: Charis is a Black young person wearing a black t-shirt and glasses. They are in a room with plants and books and are sharing a message in British Sign Language. The message is 'Oh hi, here’s a reminder in case you don’t believe this. You matter, you are important, you’re loved and you living on this earth right now makes a difference whether you see it or not. Every morning, remind yourself of this ok.'
30 second watch
Everything in life is temporary
Video description: Charis is a Black young person wearing a green cardigan and glasses. They are in a room with plants and books and are sharing a message in British Sign Language. The message is 'Everything in life is temporary, so when life is good make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life isn’t good remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way. And staying positive does not mean you have to be positive all the time because that is not possible. It means that even in the hard days, there are better days coming.'
40 second watch
More from Charis and other helpful advice
Josiah's story
Life as a young Black wheelchair user with chronic pain
Video description: Josiah is a Black young man and he's travelling through a pedestrianised high street in a wheelchair as he talks to the camera. He's wearing a navy hoodie and a blue and red sleeveless jacket.
60 second watch
"Hey everyone, it's Josiah Oyawale here with my track, 'Rings'. This one's about the ups and downs of life as a young Black wheelchair user dealing with the chronic pain of MPS Type 4a. ♿️💥 I'm talking about the stares, the judgments, but I'm flipping the script. My bars? They're all about resilience, perspective, and staying true to myself. Big shout out to the mandem and the creative affiliates keeping me sane. 🎤💯 👑✊🏾 #BlackExcellence #DisabledAndProud #MentalHealthMatters
Femi's story
Femi is wearing a yellow jumper and yellow hat. He is smiling to the camera.
Hi! I’m Femi, and I’m a Disabled filmmaker who loves nothing more than telling and amplifying unrepresented stories. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at 16, I thought my life was over. I couldn’t see past how much I would struggle and I thought that my whole life would be marred by all the suffering I would go through. And I won’t lie, it has been tough and there has been some moments I didn’t know how I would get through - but I’ve also had so so much joy and moments I couldn’t have dreamed of. I’ve travelled, I’ve climbed Snowdon, I’ve fallen in love and gotten engaged. I’ve had so many moments of joy and I have no doubt I’ll be blessed with many more.
Femi's spoken word poetry
Video description: Femi, a Black young man shares his life experiences over a variety of different scenes. These scenes include Femi looking at a picture of himself as a teenager, opening a letter detailing his diagnosis of Crohn's Disease and Femi lying in his bed exhausted from the medication he's taken. Once the music plays, Femi walks out his front door and showcases a range of experiences that bring him joy. These include playing video games with his partner, receiving hopeful messages from the Crohn's Disease community and Femi receiving hugs from his loved ones. The video ends with Femi wearing a big smile on his face.
2 minute watch
A gentle reminder for whenever you're struggling
Vide description: Femi, a Black young man is sitting in a green space. He is wearing a salmon coloured jumper and burgundy trousers.
30 second watch
You’re not a burden, you’re never asking too much and you’re not weak for showing your vulnerability. You’re strong and you deserve to be loved for all of you.
Amelia's story
My ADHD diagnoses
Video description: Amelia is a Black young woman, and she’s talking to the camera. She has dark hair and is wearing a grey jumper.
90 second watch
Why ADHD needs rebranding
Video description: Amelia is a Black young woman, and she’s talking to the camera. She has dark hair and is wearing a black t-shirt.
90 second watch
You’re not alone. There are so many people on this journey including me. Life does get better as you begin to understand yourself more and live in a way that suits your brain.
Simi's story
Simi is smiling whilst sitting down in her wheelchair. She is wearing a Black tuxedo with a bow tie.
My name is Simi and I’m a Black, Disabled, queer person. To some people, that sentence alone is too much. I’m too much. But every part of my identity makes me who I am and who I am is a strong, hard-working, confident creative.
I’m a professional writer, performer, public speaker, and disability rights activist. I perform and write my own spoken word poetry as well as short stories, poems, and novels. I am a permanent wheelchair-user with no mobility in my wrists and fingers. I am Jamaican, British and queer.
Clapback: A short story of Black Disabled empowerment
I hope this Afrofuturistic take on ball culture speaks to the Black, Disabled, queer youth of today. We so rarely get to see ourselves as heroes in sci-fi or in stories where we aren’t struggling with our crip identity. Kamaria knows who she is, and I hope you do too. The beauty and power our crip bodies hold is beyond imagination. Our unique minds, senses, and physiques are true magic.
Read more about Simi's experiences
Sylvia's story
My sight loss journey
Video description: Sylvia is in her living room and doing her makeup, while talking to the camera. Sylvia has dark brown and red hair and is wearing a yellow top.
3 minute watch
You might be losing your eyesight but you haven't lost yourself.
