Depression In The African American Community
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Depression In The African American Community

The truth behind us suffering in silence.

412
Depression In The African American Community
The Trent

The objective of this article is not to incite negative feelings towards other races, nor is it to undermine anyone else’s depression, rather, I am shining a light on an issue towards the black community who some of the members thereof refuse to acknowledge.

By doing so, I hope to rekindle relationships with family members, friends, etc. who once did not take their loved ones depression seriously.

Personally, coming from a black family, parents pride themselves with having raised great kids, putting a roof over their family’s heads and making sure they have food in their stomachs. However, because the heads of these families see no reason for their children to be depressed, seeing that they have provided them the world and more, their feelings are strewn to the side and belittled.

Their parents believe that there is no possible way they can be upset about anything in the life that they have given them.

Also, according to "HuffPost," because mental health is a taboo subject in the African-American community, black people are not only the least likely groups to be treated or seek treatment for depression, they’re also less likely than other groups to even acknowledge it as a serious problem.

Let it be made very coherent that depression has no name, color, shape, or form, but cultural and gender differences can cause depression to be experienced and expressed differently in African Americans. These differences have a major impact on whether and how black people are treated for depression.

Although some of us refuse to acknowledge the depression amongst our families and others immediate to us, one of the greatest barriers keeping African Americans from receiving treatment for depression is a staggering history of discrimination and a deep mistrust of health care institutions in the U.S. which can cause blacks to refuse help when they need it.

Despite the many challenges blacks face with mental help and depression, we have been able to develop alternative coping techniques, such as utilizing support systems with communities and religious institutions.

However, it does not highlight the other majority of blacks who don’t have this support or assistance. So, do not lose hope to those who may be in desolate situations.

Even when you think all hope is lost, there is always someone willing to help you out and coax you through your depression.

The longest journeys are completed one step at a time, and modest efforts to begin a serious discussion about this issue could conceivably yield big dividends in the future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89163
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

59658
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments