Mental Illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all. - Bill Clinton
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Objectives1) Why counseling is a stigma in the African American community
2) How the roles of men and women play a part in the stigma 3) The effects of not seeking treatment and living with mental illness 4) Why the suicide rate among adolescents have increased 5) Ability to access care |
Recent News
Stigma, seeking treatment and misconceptions
Mental illness and counseling is considered a stigma in the African American community. This is mainly in part because of the perspective many have on the subject. Counseling or therapy is seen as “designed by whites, for whites”. Many also have the perception of a therapist being an older white male who will not be able to empathize with the client’s socioeconomic status or racial identity. Fear of others finding out that treatment is being sought is another major concern. This may be seen as, “airing dirty laundry”. You may also be seen as “crazy” or “one of those people”. It is culturally acceptable to talk or pray about your problems with friends or family. A lot of African Americans are of a lower socioeconomic status so many worry about the costs associated with seeing a therapist.
Traditional roles and cultural values
African Americans have a very rich history, one that includes slavery. The resiliency that has been in the culture for centuries, is expected to been shown by a newer generation. African Americans are expected to be strong by nature and are raised this way culturally. Trying to live up to the image of “a strong black woman” or a “strong black man” can leave many in denial when it comes to mental illness. Seeking help from a professional is often seen as a sign of weakness. This is unacceptable and even humiliating for most. Due to the economic hardships many people face today, seeking help may not be an option if it is wanted. Some men and women need to work two or three jobs make ends meet and mental health is not a priority.
The effects of not seeking treatment and living with mental illness
Living with mental illness that has gone untreated can severely impact the quality of life and even lead to suicide. African Americans are not known to have higher rates of mental illness or suicide simply because they are reported much less in this demographic. Suicide rates have been on the rise in young children and adolescents.
Statistics show in 2005:
· 32,637 people in the United States committed suicide
· 1,992 of African Americans committed suicide compared to 29,529 of Caucasians
· 437 suicides were African American youth
· Suicide is the third leading cause of death among African Americans ages 15-24
· less than half of African-Americans with severe symptoms will receive treatment
other links to refer to for mental health information and screening
http://www.cpcwa.org/InformationAndResources/misigns.html
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-tools
References
Richardson, J. (2003). The quality of mental health care for African Americans. Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 27(4), 487-498.
Avent, J. (2015). African american Pastors on mental health, coping and seeking help. Counseling and Values, 60(1), 32-47. doi:10.1002/j.2161-007X.2015.00059.x
http://www.psychiatry.org/african-americans
http://www.suicide.org/suicide-statistics.html
Mental illness and counseling is considered a stigma in the African American community. This is mainly in part because of the perspective many have on the subject. Counseling or therapy is seen as “designed by whites, for whites”. Many also have the perception of a therapist being an older white male who will not be able to empathize with the client’s socioeconomic status or racial identity. Fear of others finding out that treatment is being sought is another major concern. This may be seen as, “airing dirty laundry”. You may also be seen as “crazy” or “one of those people”. It is culturally acceptable to talk or pray about your problems with friends or family. A lot of African Americans are of a lower socioeconomic status so many worry about the costs associated with seeing a therapist.
Traditional roles and cultural values
African Americans have a very rich history, one that includes slavery. The resiliency that has been in the culture for centuries, is expected to been shown by a newer generation. African Americans are expected to be strong by nature and are raised this way culturally. Trying to live up to the image of “a strong black woman” or a “strong black man” can leave many in denial when it comes to mental illness. Seeking help from a professional is often seen as a sign of weakness. This is unacceptable and even humiliating for most. Due to the economic hardships many people face today, seeking help may not be an option if it is wanted. Some men and women need to work two or three jobs make ends meet and mental health is not a priority.
The effects of not seeking treatment and living with mental illness
Living with mental illness that has gone untreated can severely impact the quality of life and even lead to suicide. African Americans are not known to have higher rates of mental illness or suicide simply because they are reported much less in this demographic. Suicide rates have been on the rise in young children and adolescents.
Statistics show in 2005:
· 32,637 people in the United States committed suicide
· 1,992 of African Americans committed suicide compared to 29,529 of Caucasians
· 437 suicides were African American youth
· Suicide is the third leading cause of death among African Americans ages 15-24
· less than half of African-Americans with severe symptoms will receive treatment
other links to refer to for mental health information and screening
http://www.cpcwa.org/InformationAndResources/misigns.html
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-tools
References
Richardson, J. (2003). The quality of mental health care for African Americans. Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 27(4), 487-498.
Avent, J. (2015). African american Pastors on mental health, coping and seeking help. Counseling and Values, 60(1), 32-47. doi:10.1002/j.2161-007X.2015.00059.x
http://www.psychiatry.org/african-americans
http://www.suicide.org/suicide-statistics.html