Mental health has long been a problem in the black community. However, it has been widely stigmatized in this community as well. Many blacks with mental illnesses don’t seek treatment for their problems. They have also found it hard to acquire the best medical care for their needs. However, while there remains to be a disparity in quality mental health care for all, there are still plenty of resources out there for blacks who need help. Let’s examine some of them as well as the current state of mental health in the black community.
Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
There have always been problems with mental health stigma in the black community. Research shows that many Black adults view mental health problems as a consequence of personal weaknesses. Many blacks find it challenging to discuss the issue of mental health because they fear how they will be perceived by others. They usually experience shame about having a mental illness and don’t want to seek further help for it. Reportedly, 25% of African-Americans seek help for mental health issues when needed, compared to 40% of white people. Having a relationship with God is vital when dealing with an emotional issue, but when the condition becomes too severe seeking professional help could be beneficial.
Barriers to Mental Health Care
Many African-Americans with mental health issues have still been having a hard time finding adequate care for their problems. In today’s health industry, there continues to be unequal access to quality health care for everyone. Nearly 10% of blacks don’t have health insurance, compared to 5.2% of white people.
Another barrier to mental health care is the lack of mental health care specialists who could better understand African-Americans issues. There is a lack of culturally-sensitive health care professionals who can fit black patients’ needs. As a result, this makes blacks feel marginalized. In some cases, black patients can face prejudice from healthcare providers. The way a provider communicates with a black patient could differ from his exchange with a white patient.
Finding a Provider You Can Trust
Because of the increase in discrimination among providers and patients, it’s hard for black mental health patients to find a provider they can trust. Many prefer to find a black mental health professional, but there remains a lack of them. Currently, there are only 2% of practicing U.S. therapists are black. They feel that a black therapist could better understand their life experiences and identify with their cultural stressors.
However, regardless of whether the mental health professional is black or of another race, all health care must be culturally competent. This involves all health professionals being sensitive to the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of all patients and providing compassionate, effective treatment. When seeking out a mental health professional, try to find one that better understands your culture and background. There are online databases devoted to Black mental health care such as the Black Virtual Wellness Directory.
Mental Health Resources in the Black Community
In addition to the Black Virtual Wellness Directory, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also has a good list of mental health resources. If you need some help with your emotional health or know someone who does, here are some more mental health resources:
- Black Mental Health Alliance
- Black Mental Wellness
- Black Women’s Health Imperative
- Ebony’s Mental Health Resources by State
There are plenty of self-help resources online where African-Americans could seek help for dealing with traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, and anticipatory grief. While there remains a lack of adequate mental health care for blacks, there are still plenty of resources for finding help. You just have to know where to look and be able to take advantage of it.
Are you an African-American experiencing emotional or mental health issues? Perhaps you may have a friend or a family member experiencing the same issues? Do share in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this informative article with someone you love and care about.
