Mental Illness In The Black Community Essay

I’ve always been passionate about understanding others; stepping into their shoes and seeing, thinking, and appreciating the lives they live. I think it is important to take that extra step and see things from a different point of view. It is the only way to achieve a true understanding. I believe in this philosophy so much so, that it’s one of the main reasons I have this blog; to give others a glimpse of a life with mental illness. I’ve been in treatment for 2 months and 26 days and I think it’s time for another peek into my brain.

Every good parent desires to raise his or her child in the best care possible. However, this can become difficult if the child carries an illness. If the illness is not identified and treated properly, both the child and the parent will suffer physically, mentally, or emotionally. Among the many illnesses a parent may face and may have a difficult time identifying is bipolar disorder, or maniac-depression illness, a mental illness in which unusual mood swings occur within the child. Such disorder should not to be mistaken with the occasional ups or downs many people go through. The National Institute of Mental Health’s website provides parents valuable information of the disorder’s symptoms and treatments, as well as information on how to

This film is filled with open discussions on issues commonly tucked under the rug: depression, stress, trauma, etc. Because of the “tough”, “strong” image many African Americans try to uphold, it is not often that a black individual comes forth to tell their story about their struggles.

The first article “The Truth About Overcoming Mental Illness in the Black Community” was written by Tamiya King. I believe the author wrote the article to inform those, but to mainly persuade the African American community to acknowledge and properly treat those with mental illness. The article reads, Healthy and open discussions about mental health are still very much

There is a cultural notion, that what happens inside the family, stays within the family. Comparable to the words, “Your strength will get you through it”. This belief is many times coupled with their spiritual background and belief in God. Understanding these main cultural conceptions will always help the mental health profession grasp an understanding of why this population is statistically seen as one of the most reluctant cultures to seek counseling from mental health counselors, yet will find solace in speaking with their Reverend, a pillar in the community, or (one viewed negatively) such as a gang leader, fictive kin, who is viewed as family, as their means of a counselor. Especially in black men, who are usually court ordered to

Not only did I believe that mental illnesses weren’t prevalent in the black community, I also believed it was something of a weakness. Even though I have gotten wise to the ignorance that people have towards mental illness, a lot of people haven’t. In the next ten years I see myself a licensed psychiatrist, opening my first mental health clinic. The incisive of the clinics is to provide counseling and informational services to those in need of emotional support. My program will also be in schools, correctional facilities, poverty stricken neighborhoods. And with the significant role social media plays in our society, I will be using vlogs, podcasts, and other types of media to tell the point of view from those that are in the program. My tenacity for a better world is my motive for continuing my collegiate education. If I can help only person with the program than I will be

The population discussed in this study are all adult African American men and women residing in the United States, from lower class to upper class, who suffer from mental illness.

Prisoners have a higher rate of mental illness than the community. Two point six percent to five point four percent of the adult population has a major mental illness. Sixteen percent of the incarcerated population has a mental illness and twenty-three point six of women in state prisons has a mental illness. The most common illnesses that women prisoners deal with are depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, personality disorders, and thought disorders.

Ward, E. C., Wiltshire, J. C., Detry, M. A., & Brown, R. L. (2013) ‘African American men and women’s attitudes towards mental illness perceptions of stigma, and preferred coping behaviours’.

As Taron describes it, " In African American culture, we tend to turn an eye to mental issues for whatever reason. I guess my family just really didn't know much about it, so we went to the church with it, saying that God would heal it through prayer and fasting." Part of this can be explained by multiple research conducted on African American families deal with mental illness. According to one study, African American adolescents and adults are less likely to seek mental health services especially if they perceive that their use of services may be stigmatized by their peers and family (Lindsey et al., 2006). Historically, the years of oppression and discriminatory practices have had an impact on the faith they place on the healthcare system (Breland-Noble, 2004). Another dimension that evidences Taron's statement in regards to mental health is the Church's role in the African American community. According to Hays (2015), "Black churches have long been a source of social support for African Americans, not only in terms of the spiritual wellbeing of members but also in the provision of biospsychosocial resources"(p. 302). It is more likely for someone within the African American population to turn to family and religion for issues concerning health before turning to standard treatment

Introduction When we talk about vulnerable groups, different groups come into mind. Some of these include racial and ethnic minorities, low-income children, the uninsured, the elderly, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the homeless and those that are economically disadvantaged as well as those with mental illness. Indeed, the biggest challenge that the healthcare industry faces is poverty. This explains why populations in poorer countries are generally less healthy than those in well off countries. Many of the people with mental illnesses live in abject poverty.

I chose to focus on mental health, as this issue has far reaching implications throughout all of society. Diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression affect everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion. According to a study by Patrick Corrigan (2004), “in the past year 26 percent of the population have suffered from a mental illness in one form or another, and about 45 percent have suffered from mental illness at some point in their life.” Current statistics show this number has significantly increased within the past decade and continues to rise. As the current mental health paradigm is largely disease-focused, it becomes a convenient way to enforce the status quo, often placing the blame on an individuals’ “faulty brain” instead of the disease itself. This effectively separates the person from their environment, dehumanizing their experiences. Furthermore, millions of dollars are spent annually on researching the genetic causes of mental illness, instead of focusing on improving access to and quality of psychosocial services. What is needed in place of our current diminutive approach to mental health is an intersectional analysis that emphasizes the relationship between gender, race, socio-economic status and health related issues.

Mental illnesses have become a serious concern today in many societies. There are many stigmas attached to the idea an individual being diagnosed with a mental illness. People who suffer from any sort of mental illness have been labeled as “crazy, “psycho,” and “sick in the head.” Unfortunately, the denial and the unpleasant associating that society has created has led to families, cultures, and in everyone to deny any involvement with seeking professional help. Depression and denial are the two main symptoms a person can experience after the death of a loved one. Without professional treatment, an individual can begin to develop other symptoms that can lead to any mental illnesses. Depending on the severity a person can develop hallucinations, social isolations, disorganized behavior, aggression compulsive behavior, etc. Thus, not only a person can be diagnosed with depression and anxiety but it can lead schizophrenia in the future without any professional treatment. When the symptoms are ignored or go unnoticed, the results are tragic damaging the individual and others. Many young teenagers and young adults continue to live their day to day life with untreated mental illnesses. In “A Rose for Emily,” written by William Faulkner demonstrates the lack of support from a community towards Emily Grierson and the results of her untreated mental illness that lead her to develop schizophrenia.

This essay will analyse the statement “Mental illness is a social problem”. This essay will discuss the sociological perspective of mental health within the chosen concept of gender. The main aim of this essay is to discuss and debate ‘for’ mental illness is a social problem within the different gender roles. Gender is not only male and female, it also includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual. In Australia there is a very large community of LGBTI. This concept will be analysed by using theoretical and sociological perspectives along with the structure-agency debate. Also the biomedical and social model 's role in relation to the issue. This will help support the statement that ‘mental illness is a social problem’. It is not logical to solely to blame society for all mental illness’ however, it is a strong contributor. This essay will also explore the social contributor to the high rate of mental illness sufferers in Australia. Also, the general consensus and attitude toward individuals with mental health and the ways that mental illnesses are stitgmatised in Australia and each of its states and territories.

The podcast that I listen to by an African American woman by the name of Angelique Mayes, who was thirty-two years old and from Chicago. Mrs. Mayes was formerly diagnosed with bipolar disorder after graduating college. She suffered episodes of mania where she had the compulsion for extreme shopping. What was so fascinating to me was she discussed what I think is a big problem in the African American community of not discussing mental illness. She stated that the black community has a stigma about psychiatry. Being an African American female I agree with her because, we as a community feel as though we don’t need to seek out help from a psychiatrist. We feel as though we can receive help through religion in the form of prayer. Mrs. Mayes expresses that although religion is a good thing, god would want us to seek additional help. I think this stigma has been passed down through our society.