Remember the character Uncle Pete in the movie “Soul Food?” We knew he was in his room and something was wrong with him. We never learned the name of Uncle Pete’s mental illness. We knew there was a traumatic event that took place at some point in his life. Uncle Pete was an invisible family member to some extent.
African Americans make up 12% of the population, (40.1 million) of the United States, yet they make up 18.7% (7.5 million) of those affected by mental illness. (Davis, 2005;).
One of the most common mental illness affecting 12 million women 12% and more than 6 million men 7% in the United States within a one year period. (National Institute of Mental Health 2011).
There are many reasons that contribute to the deterioration of mental health of those who live in the Black community.
According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), anyone can develop mental health problem African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African Americans include:
- Major depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Suicide, among young African American men
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), because African Americans are more likely to be victims of violent crime
African Americans are also more likely to experience certain factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition.
Many people in the Black community are reluctant to seek help because of the negative stigma associated with mental illness. It is time for this negative narrative to change in order to improve the lives of so many people who are suffering.
There is hope and it is a phone call away.
United Way Help Line is a confidential helpline that connects people to several resources in Hartford. Call 2-1-1 for more information.
