Why Don't Black People Go To Counseling?
Today is the last day of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
I am pretty active on social media, and tend to come across all of the different causes that are highlighted each month. I’m even more aware when it is relating to mental health or race. It says something then that even I was unaware of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
The video above talks about why black people are less likely to go to counseling. Below are some of the statistics and sources from the video.
25% of African Americans seek mental health care as opposed to 40% of whites
Strong black woman endorsement increase the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms
Being exposed to violence increases risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Impoverished areas are more likely to have more violence and crime and less mental health services available.
Black & African American Communities and Mental Health - Mental Health America
Blacks are more likely to turn to faith, family, and friends as opposed to professionals
Less than 2% of American Psychological Association members are black
18.2% black in Community & Social Services Occupations
5% of Psychology workforce
All of the above lead anyone, and in this case blacks, to find other harmful coping mechanisms.
Without mental health services people are more likely to internalize their problems.
Suicide rates for black children twice that of white children, new data show - The Washington Post
Mental Healthcare Disparities Disparities Affect Treatment of Black Adolescents
Black adolescents’ disproportionate exposure to stressful life events including racism, stereotyping, living in poverty, violence, and involvement in social service programs such as foster care exacerbate reported mental health trends.
To read more about barries to mental health care for blacks, you can read this post from NAMI.
