Recently, due to the death of George Floyd, awareness of racial injustices in the United States is spreading across the entire nation, and even the world. Thanks to increasing access to the internet and social media, all eyes are on the Black American population. Social media movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackoutTuesday shed light on discrimination otherwise concealed from citizens outside certain cultures/social circles. While the focus of recent movements is primarily related to police brutality, there’s another evil plaguing these communities. Mental illness among African Americans is ubiquitous and catastrophic.
Recognizing the Problem
It’s a common myth that Black Americans experience less psychological illnesses than Caucasians. This is completely false. In fact, according to The US HHS Office of Minority Health, Blacks Americans are 20% more likely to experience extreme psychological distress than Caucasians. They are also more likely to report feelings of worthlessness, shame, hopelessness and sadness.
Another factor influencing mental health statistics in these communities is poverty. Black Americans are more likely to live under the poverty level. In fact, about 27% live below the poverty level, compared to 10% for whites. Individuals living beneath the poverty level are more likely to experience acute and prolonged traumatic events. Because of this, Blacks Americans of all ages are more likely to meet standards for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Mental illness is extremely prevalent, and does not discriminate based on race. Black Americans make up 13.2% of the American Population. Of this population, 16% had a diagnosable mental illness within the past year. To put that in perspective, that is more than 6.8 million people. Studies consistently show that mental illness rates among Black Americans are similar to White populations.
Access to Care
Access to care is a major problem in Black American communities. Over 1/3 of individuals in these communities do not have access to health insurance. Lack of medical insurance and poverty make it nearly impossible for individuals to obtain and purchase health care. In addition, those without health insurance are less likely to receive health care and often have their health care delayed. Not to mention, health care costs are out of reach for most Americans without health insurance.
Other problems include stigma within these communities, and with healthcare providers. Research shows that most Black Americans believe receiving treatment for a mental illness would be considered “crazy” among their social circles. Worries of judgement by friends and family prevents those who need help from getting it. Black Americans are more likely to seek help within their churches, communities and family than through a medical professional.
Due to cultural biases and ignorance, healthcare providers are more likely to incorrectly diagnose Black Americans. Research shows these individuals are more likely to receive schizophrenia diagnoses, than mood disorders. Misdiagnosis then leads to incorrect treatment. Differences in how African Americans express themselves may be the cause of this disparity.
Adding to this problem, only 2% of psychiatrists, 2% of psychologists and 4% of social workers in the United States are African American. A lack of providers from a similar background can make it difficult to understand race and economic issues experienced by the individual.
Drugs, Incarceration and Mental Illness Among African Americans
Lastly, Black Americans experience extreme over-representation in the prison population. They account for 34% of total inmates, and experience incarceration at a rate of 5 times more than Caucasians. While some argue this is due to increased likelihood of drug involvement, research shows otherwise. Black Americans are only 2% more likely to become involved in illicit drugs. Furthermore, they are less likely to become involved with alcohol abuse or heavy drinking.
Of the drug arrests in the United States, Black Americans account for 37%, but only 14% of drug users. They are much more likely to be arrested for drug charges compared to individuals of other races, even though they account for a smaller percent of overall users. These high incarceration rates compound the mental health issues experienced within these communities.
Black Americans are also more likely to be arrested than to receive mental health treatment. These individuals are pumped in and out of the prison system without the opportunity to receive treatment. After release, individuals are exceedingly likely to re-enter the prison system.
Much of this problem is likely due to lack of resources an individual has once released. People exit prison and experience homelessness and difficulty finding employment due to their criminal record. Success is even more difficult to achieve for those suffering with a mental illness. In fact, 64% of inmates released from state prison will be rearrested within 18 months. This number is even higher in Black Americans with a mental illness.
What Should be Done about Mental Illness among African Americans?
Although Black Americans are severely impacted by mental illness, they are much less likely to receive care. Implementations of various programs and community efforts should help bridge this gap. Some things that might help are: raising awareness through church programs and community groups, sensitivity to race-based issues, encouragement in communities to increase enrollment in psychological fields and coming together through social media platforms to show support.
There are huge gaps that need to be filled within mental health care for Black Americans. During this time of increased awareness of racial disparity, it’s important to remember the mental health needs of these communities. Racism is not a political issue, it’s a human issue. Acknowledging pain, suffering and injustice among fellow Americans should not be a Right or Left issue. Racial prejudice is a learned behavior, not an innate behavior. It’s time to stand up, make a difference and unlearn racism.