According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, hopelessness, and feeling like everything is an effort. Despite the needs, only 1 in 3 Black or African American adults who need mental health care receive it.
Stigma around mental health conditions is still pervasive in our society. For many Black communities, discussing mental health can be a difficult subject. For example, one study showed that 63% of African Americans believe that a mental health condition is a personal sign of weakness. This stigma can act as a deterrent from people seeking mental health care when they need it. Additionally, many people choose to seek support from their faith community rather than seeking a medical diagnosis. In many Black communities in the U.S., the church, mosque or other faith institution plays a central role as a meeting place and source of strength.
Faith and spirituality can help in the recovery process and be a part of a treatment plan. For example, spiritual leaders and faith communities can provide support and reduce isolation. However, they should not be the only option.
Teens/Parents Webinar with DJ Kenyatta Smith (aka DJ Vader Mixx) from Radio One and local experts from Cincinnati Children’s to Break the Silence, Start the Healing Teen Webinar. Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WsQnm9smJuWQuEGUZxDT_UPO1CYCyAK0/view
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
CRISIS TEXT LINE Text COALITION to 741-741 FOR FREE
TALBERT HOUSE CRISIS CARE CENTER (513) 281-CARE (2273) Text TALBERT to 839863
CHILDREN’S MOBILE CRISIS TEAM (CHILDREN ONLY) (513) 558-8888
Please visit www.1n5.org for additional resources for African Americans.
For a list of minority counselors and therapist, please click on below. The list included here is not endorsed by First Ladies For Health..