The Connection Between Black History and Mental Health

While all communities face mental health challenges, many factors have contributed to higher rates of mental health issues among Black Americans. Long-standing economic imbalances, combined with a lack of access to quality health care and education, have created significant barriers to mental health among Black people today.

It should come as no surprise that exposure to racism and discrimination contributes to adverse mental health outcomes. Research shows that stress and trauma resulting from bigotry are directly correlated to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even non-confrontational experiences – like being watched with more scrutiny while shopping – can cause these traumas.

The healthcare system has also historically exhibited racism and bias towards the Black community. It’s essential for anyone in treatment to feel connected to their therapist to build trust and ensure the best outcomes. However, Black individuals often face culturally incompetent healthcare providers. This means providers cannot understand or respect the Black community’s beliefs, values, and histories. Whether conscious or unconscious, this bias results in treatment that is often poorer, resulting in Black patients being misdiagnosed. These factors have understandably fueled distrust among Black Americans toward the mental health profession.

The statistics surrounding mental health within the Black community are striking:

• Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the overall population¹
• Adult Black Americans are more likely than others to report having feelings of sadness and hopelessness.²
• 16% of Black Americans (4.8 million individuals) reported having a mental illness and 22.4% of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental illness³
• Only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it, compared to one in two White adults.² (Among adults with any mental illness 48% of Whites versus 31% of Blacks)
  • Reasons include incorrect diagnosis by doctors and a lack of Black mental health professionals
• Most common ethnicity of mental health professionals is White (74.2%), followed by Black or  African American (7.9%)
• Only 3.7% of members in the American Psychiatric Association and 1.5% of members in the American Psychological Association are Black⁴

Compounding the factors above, stigma associated with mental health issues exists within the Black community. The origin of this stigma traces back to slavery when it was a common belief that enslaved people were biologically different and could not develop mental health disorders. This mindset left Black people to misjudge their symptoms as “stress” or “exhaustion.” This perspective was passed from generation to generation, leading to misinformation and underestimation of mental health conditions’ impact.

Because of these factors, the decision to seek treatment is frequently not an easy one to make. More than 60% of Black people believe a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness and that asking for help can be perceived as demeaning the experiences of those who have endured more difficult conditions related to racism.⁵ In studies, Black people stated depression or anxiety was considered “crazy” in some Black social circles and that mental health discussions are inappropriate, even within families. As a result, Black people may experience more shame about mental health struggles or fear loss of social standing.

To begin breaking down these barriers, providing better education about mental health is imperative. Normalizing mental health issues can help people understand that seeking treatment is no different than receiving care for physical health.

It’s also important that mental health providers know how to care for members of the Black community properly. Clinicians aware of cultural norms can help reduce fear and ensure that Black patients receive the care they need. Healthcare professionals can engage in cultural competency courses or identify educational opportunities to understand better the communities they serve.

During Black History Month – and beyond – people inside and outside the Black community can help effect change through education and support. Here are some ways to do that:

• Visit a Black or African American Historical Site. Take a trip to a local Black history museum or visit a historically significant place.
• Expand Your Vocabulary. Take time to understand key terms. E.g., “BIPOC” (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color).
• Read Books & Stories by Black Authors. Diversify what you consume by including works from Black writers and storytellers.
• Follow Black Creators on social media. From fashion bloggers to opinion leaders, engage with Black creator voices to see their perspective.
• Support Black-owned Businesses. Patronize Black-owned businesses or eat at a Black-owned restaurants.
• Donate to Black Groups and Charities. Help keep Black history alive by contributing financially or volunteering.
• Ask and Listen. Don’t be afraid to ask members of the Black community about their mental health. Talking openly and genuinely listening to family and friends can encourage them to speak about their feelings.

Actions like these are small but essential steps to help address barriers Black Americans face in the mental health care system. By addressing the Black community’s most pervasive mental health misconceptions, we can create change to ensure everyone can get the help they need.

Sources

1. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Mental and Behavioral Health – African Americans, May 2021.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2008-2015.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, January 2022.
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness, African American Mental Health, September 2021.
5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Interview Study, November 2019.