The Role Of Trauma And Inequality In Black Mental Health Challenges
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Mental health challenges can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, background, or any other aspect of identity. However, mental illness, trauma, and inequality can intersect in different ways for members of the Black community. Complex factors like systemic racism, reduced access to mental health services, and stigma can create barriers to mental health care among Black Americans, creating challenges in health and well-being.
To understand how mental health and race intersect, it can be helpful to examine the types of mental health challenges that may be prevalent in communities of color, the role systemic racism and trauma may play in mental illness, and resources for addressing mental health challenges.
Delving into the communities of Black and African Americans
Black individuals often experience a unique set of mental health-related challenges and inequalities. For instance, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the US are more likely to report persistent feelings of sadness and believing that “everything is an effort” than white adults. In addition, a 2021 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that while suicide rates decreased in the US by 3% in 2020, they increased among many men of color, including Black men, in that same period.
Black Americans and mental health care
However, despite the needs, statistics show that Black Americans receive mental health services at lower rates than white Americans. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among adults, only 39% of Black Americans with a mental illness received mental health services, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic whites.
Assessing the role of trauma and inequality in mental illness
Because mental health challenges are more common in Black Americans, some individuals may wonder whether there’s an explanation for the unique challenges and disparities Black Americans may face when it comes to mental health and mental healthcare. This question can be complicated, with various potential contributing factors. Two of these possible factors are racial trauma and inequality.
Racial Trauma resulting from racism
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), racial trauma can result from “major experiences of racism like workplace discrimination or hate crimes” and the “accumulation of occurrences, such as everyday discrimination and microaggressions.” These traumatic experiences may lead to mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by symptoms such as hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, flashbacks, or nightmares.
Inequality affects Black and African Americans’ mental health
Inequality is another crucial factor to consider in the discussion of mental health challenges in the Black community. As noted by the CDC, a significant body of research has demonstrated that centuries of racism have created inequities in a range of areas, including housing, education, employment, and wealth. These conditions are then “key drivers of health inequities within communities of color”—with individuals of color at greater risk of poor health outcomes.
Black Americans face unique challenges and barriers to care, including provider bias, low Black representation among mental health providers, higher uninsured rates, socioeconomic disparities, social stigma against mental illness, and increased difficulty in receiving necessary tests or treatment.
Seeking mental health support
Given these factors, accessing proper mental healthcare and support can present a unique set of challenges for those in the Black community. However, a range of strategies may be helpful for those in need of care, including but not limited to the following.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness
Understanding how mental illness can manifest may be a beneficial first step to seeking help. Although symptoms may vary based on the condition and circumstances, it may be helpful to be aware of signs like changes in mood, sleep patterns, appetite, lessened interest in hobbies and activities, or feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or worthlessness.
Talking to culturally competent clinicians about mental illness
Certain mental health care providers have training in navigating cultural differences, as well as an understanding of the ways racism may affect mental health. A variety of provider directories exist that may be useful for finding mental health professionals who are equipped to address culturally specific mental health concerns.
Using community resources for health care and education
Community organizations, such as support groups and mental health workshops, may also be helpful for those in need of care. These resources may accept payment on a sliding scale based on income to make care accessible for those in a wide range of situations.
Alternative support options for Black mental health challenges
Therapy—particularly culturally sensitive therapy—can be a valuable resource for those experiencing mental health challenges that may be connected to race or cultural identity. However, for those without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover it, traditional therapy may not always be accessible, given the often high costs of sessions and the need to travel for appointments.
Online therapy
Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may provide a convenient alternative to face-to-face treatment, with affordable pricing options and the ability to be matched with a licensed therapist remotely based on one’s background, needs, preferences, and location.
Online therapy has been researched as an effective and cost-effective alternative to face-to-face therapy. A 2017 study found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) was effective in the treatment and management of various psychiatric disorders, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder, among others.
Takeaway
However, several strategies may be helpful for those in need of care, such as recognizing the signs of mental illness, leveraging community resources, and seeking care from culturally competent providers. Therapy—either in-person or online—may also offer a valuable source of support.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common mental health issues in the Black community?
Several mental health disparities affect African American communities. For example, mental health problems, like major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are 20% more common. Furthermore, Black American adults are significantly less likely to seek treatment with a mental health professional.
These disparities persist due to things like structural racism and minority stress from discrimination, which can lead to serious psychological distress and chronic stress. Overall, the most common mental health challenges experienced by Black Americans are depressive and anxiety disorders.
What are the barriers to mental health care for Black individuals?
Here are some common barriers that can make it harder for Black people in the U.S. to access mental health treatment:
- Historical intergenerational trauma and abuse perpetrated by the medical system leading to mistrust of the mental health system
- Health insurance and financial barriers to seeking mental health care
- Limited access to Black therapists and culturally competent care
- Mental health stigma and cultural background factors, such as seeing mental health challenges as a personal weakness
These barriers can make it seek professional help for mental health needs. According to some estimates, only about 39% of Black adults with a mental health concern receive mental healthcare, compared with 52% of non-Hispanic White adults. Between 2011 and 2021, there has been a 58% increase in suicide rates among Black Americans, which is evidence of a major unmet mental health needs.
Do minorities struggle with mental health education?
Minorities in mental health education may experience challenges like stigma, discrimination, microaggression, lack of diversity or cultural competency, language barriers, educational disparities, systemic components, and a long history of social justice issues.
How might racism affect Black individuals’ mental health?
People in the Black and/or African American Community often experience minority stress—like racism, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare access—which can lead to significant psychological distress.
The experience of racism can lead to mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. While public health officials find that people in the black population are less likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorders, BIPOC individuals are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
What is the stigma surrounding Black women's mental health?
Some of the reasons Black women may not seek support for mental health challenges include:
- Stigma, such as the belief that mental health challenges are a personal weakness
- Mistrust of healthcare systems and negative past experiences
- Inadequate mental health awareness training
- Racism and sexism
- Health insurance or other access issues
- Religion
The trope of the “strong Black woman” can also dissuade Black women from seeking mental health support. This trope pressures people to project strength, suppress emotions, resist vulnerability or dependence, succeed despite all obstacles, and prioritize caregiving instead of self-care.
What is the Black mental health paradox?
In the United States population, Black people have lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to White people, despite experiencing greater levels of mental health stressors (like racism and discrimination).
However, this paradox is likely complicated by factors like lower diagnostic rates and underutilization of mental health services. Improving health equity requires helping educators and healthcare at a site properly identify mental health challenges and consider culturally competent ways to address them.
Which ethnicity has the most mental health issues?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, ethnic and racial minorities are more likely to experience a high burden of disabilities from mental disorders. Individuals identifying as two or more races are at the highest risk of experiencing a mental illness within the past year (24.9%), followed by Indigenous Americans (22.7%).
Is mental health an issue in the black community?
Yes, racism and discrimination can significantly impact mental health in the Black community. For example, Black adults are 20% more likely to experience mental health challenges like major depression or generalized anxiety.
How common is depression in Black communities?
There is a significant mental health disparity in the United States, with Black people experiencing disproportionately high rates of serious mental health challenges. According to some estimates, Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, but about 20% of those living with mental health challenges. This disparity is connected to issues like minority stress, inadequate healthcare access, delays in seeking treatment, stigma, and lack of cultural competency among providers.
How does oppression affect mental health?
The term “oppression” refers to unjust treatment, lack of access to opportunity, or cruelty. Oppression can have significant mental health effects, like low self-esteem, feeling powerless, chronic stress, depression, or anxiety.
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