He left the internet ablaze with the release of his visual album on June 30th. Within just one week of its debut, Jay Z’s 4:44 album had already gone certified platinum and it seemed as if the entire universe had pulled up a virtual seat to get a glimpse inside the life of the Carters.

As a therapist, I was intrigued by the album’s numerous references to therapy. In “The Story of O.J.”, we see animated visuals representing the rapper lying on what appears to be a therapist’s couch, discussing missed investment opportunities. In “Smile”, the 3rd song on the album, he makes a more direct reference and says “My therapist said I relapsed”.

Perhaps the most obvious display is his support for therapy came a few weeks later with the release of “Footnotes”. The video is an 11 minute compilation of interviews and discussions featuring notable men of color: Will Smith, Jessie Williams, and Chris Rock to name a few. Clips displaying the men gathered together in a messy circle, discussing life’s issues and validating one another are reminiscent of therapeutic support group sessions that help to cultivate change and build community.

Unfortunately, it’s an anomaly to see images involving men of color gathering together, being vulnerable, and intentionally discussing intimate issues like relationships, role models, and tools for success.

Why?

Mental health services and attending therapy has long held a stigma within communities of color. In the past, seeing a therapist or attending a group was perceived as an admission to being “crazy” or weak.

On the surface, the development of this stigma makes sense.

African Americans have developed a lineage of strength and endurance of pain that goes back for centuries. With ancestors that endured the Middle Passage, as well as the atrocities of slavery and the perpetual denial of civil rights, strength of mind was imperative for survival. In order to be strong, as well as survive, one needed to take secondary concerns like emotions and the need for choices off of the table.

But now, we have choices and paying attention to our emotions is essential to wellness.

As our circumstances evolve, our ways of coping must evolve as well. Experiencing feelings like confusion, grief, anxiety and anger lets us know that we are alive. Rather than stunting our emotional development by suppressing or denying our difficult emotions, we need to pay attention and process them in order to make positive change. That’s where therapy comes in handy.

So, whether you’re a billionaire mogul or a superstar mom, Jay Z helps us understand that you don’t have to be crazy or weak to be in therapy. Let’s follow suit and continue to break down the stigmas in our community. Spread the word. Anyone can benefit from therapy!