Submitted by Lucas
Mental illness is a major cause of disease burden in the United States. Despite this fact, the burden of this disease is not equally distributed across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. In this article, I will describe the prevalence of mental disorders that occur in the Black community and the various risk factors that contribute to these disparities. I will also discuss the different methods of treatment that exist for these disorders and how these treatments are affected by racial factors.
Introduction
Mental health is defined as an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It is important to note that this definition encompasses both positive and negative mental health. Mental health disorders are negative states in which an individual experiences a disruption in his/her capacity to think, feel, and behave in a manner that is considered normal for his/her age and culture. Although mental health disorders are not new, their prevalence has increased over the last decade. This increase has been attributed to several factors such as: population growth, urbanization, migration, changes in family structures, and the globalization of Western culture.
The United States has the highest prevalence of mental disorders compared to any other country in the world. In fact, it is estimated that one in four Americans will develop a mental disorder at some time in his/her life. Due to the nature of mental disorders, it is often difficult to estimate the total number of individuals affected by them. In fact, it is estimated that approximately half of all people with mental disorders never seek treatment, and less than half of those who seek treatment receive the care they need.
The prevalence of mental disorders in the Black community has not been well researched. However, it is clear that they are more prevalent in this group of people than in the general population. Furthermore, the causes of these disorders are different from those in the general population. Mental health disparities in the Black community are a result of a combination of economic, social and cultural factors. The following paragraphs will discuss three of the most significant risk factors that contribute to mental health disorders in the Black community.
Prevalence of Trauma
It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of Black people will experience some form of trauma during their lifetime, and that those who have experienced trauma are three times more likely to develop a mental disorder than those who have not. Many Black children will experience abuse at some point in their childhood. Studies have shown that the prevalence of trauma is higher for Black women than for Black men. In addition, the prevalence of trauma is significantly higher in the Black community in general than in the general population.
It is important to note that trauma and mental illness are not necessarily related. However, the effects of trauma on mental health are well documented.
Economic Hardship
The Black community experiences higher levels of economic hardship than any other racial group in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that nearly half of all Blacks will experience poverty at some point in their lifetime. While white parents are choosing colors for the farmhouse kitchen sink, many Black parents are struggling to put food on the table and this hardship has a profound effect on children. The effects of economic hardship have been shown to cause negative health effects such as increased rates of morbidity and mortality, social dysfunction, and psychological problems.
It is important to note that poverty is not the only factor that contributes to mental health disparities in the Black community. In fact, the increased prevalence of mental illness in the Black community has been shown to occur even among those who are not poor.
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health are factors that affect the health status of a population. Examples of social determinants of health include the availability of educational opportunities, employment opportunities, housing, and health insurance. The Black community has less access to these resources than the general population. A high percentage of Black Americans do not have health insurance and that Black Americans are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than the general population.
The lack of these resources is not only a risk factor for poor physical health, but also for mental health. Studies have shown that individuals who lack access to these resources are more likely to develop mental illness than those who have access to them. In addition, it has been shown that persons with mental illness are less likely to receive the care they need because of a lack of insurance coverage.
Treatment of Mental Illness in the Black Community
The treatment of mental illness in the Black community is affected by the prevalence of mental illness, as well as the risk factors discussed. It is estimated that only 25 percent of those affected by mental illness receive the care they need. It is important to note that this is significantly lower than the rate of care received by those affected by mental illness in the general population.
One of the main reasons for this disparity is low rates of treatment among Black Americans. Studies have shown that Black people are less likely to seek treatment for mental illness than the general population. In addition, they are less likely to accept the treatment that is available. Other studies have shown that among those who seek treatment, Blacks are more likely to seek help from alternative sources such as family members or religious leaders.
There are several solutions that have been proposed to address the disparities in the treatment of mental illness in the Black community. The main goal of these solutions is to improve the health of the Black community. Some of these solutions include: community-based programs that are specifically designed for the Black community, cultural competency training for health care providers, and the development of self-help programs for the Black community.
In addition, there are many existing programs designed to help those affected by mental illness. These programs are funded by both the public and private sectors. These programs include: community mental health centers, prevention programs, research programs, and treatment programs. But these programs need to be better tailored to Black Americans, starting with dedicated education and dedicated funding.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the prevalence of mental illness in the Black community and the risk factors that contribute to these disparities. It has also discussed the different methods of treatment that exist for these disorders and the role that racial factors play in the implementation of these treatments. While there are several challenges that must be addressed in order to improve the mental health of the Black community, it is important to note that there are several existing programs designed to help those affected by mental illness. It is important that these programs are utilized to their full potential.