Mental illness, without any further distinction, affects 1 in 4 Americans. However, experiences of mental illness vary across cultures and there is a need for improved cultural awareness and corresponding competence in the health care and mental health workforce.

Here are some facts about mental health as it relates to the African American community:

• Social circumstances often serve as an indicator for the likelihood of developing a mental illness. African Americans are disproportionately more likely to experience these social circumstances

• African Americans are often at a socioeconomic disadvantage in terms of accessing both medical and mental health care.

• Culture biases against mental health professionals and health care professionals in general prevent many African Americans from accessing care, due to prior experiences with historical misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and a lack of cultural understanding.

• African Americans tend to rely on family, religious and social communities for emotional support rather than turning to health care professionals, even though the latter may at times be necessary. Furthermore, the health care providers they seek may not be aware of this important aspect of African American culture.

• Mental illness is frequently stigmatized and misunderstood in the African American community. African Americans are much more likely to seek help though their primary care doctors as opposed to accessing specialty care.

Challenge:

• Prepare for a greater tomorrow
• Share these facts with a colleague, friend or family member
• Raise awareness about the realities of mental illness in the African American community
• End the mental illness stigma
• Don't be afraid or embarrassed to get help...Your Black History is at stake!

Contributor: Nicole J. Bolden, B.A., M.A., MHP

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