Mental Health in Black America: Why are We in Denial?
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in mental health diagnoses in the United States. Now don’t misunderstand, it’s not that people are suddenly developing mental health conditions, people are just now more willing to discuss their mental health struggles with a professional. However, in the African American communities, there is still a stigma that surrounds mental health. Mental health does not
discriminate based on age, gender or race; nobody is immune. That’s why the current stance that the African American community is taking regarding mental health is a harmful one.
Due to socio-economic disadvantages and other barriers, African Americans may experience more severe forms of mental health problems. In fact, the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health published a report that says that African Americans more likely to experience psychological distress by about ten percent. However, the corresponding unwillingness to seek and accept help may affect the ways in which African Americans cope and process their feelings.
According to a 2013 study, African Americans are generally opposed to accepting that they have psychological problems. The study confirmed that the beliefs which are often stigma-related affects the ways in which African Americans cope with their mental health issues. So, if we are ever going to foster healthy conversations around mental health and get our people to seek help, we need to get to the bottom of it.
Why Are We in Denial?
In order to move forward, the African American community needs to look inwards. We need to ask the important questions like, “What is it about mental health that we’re so unwilling to talk about? Why does talking about mental health evoke such negative reactions?” being able to answer these questions would help demystify mental health in African American communities.
Lack of Information: Research has shown that there is a general lack of information and subsequent misinformation on what mental health conditions are. This leads to a lot of people believing that having mental health problems signifies weakness, unintelligence or sometimes psychopathy. Some people even believe that psychological distress is usually a punishment from God. This lack of information will make it difficult to even recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. As an African American who has talked about their mental health, chances are you have probably gotten something like, “Snap out of it”, or “This is just a phase, you’ll come out of it”. Because of this information gap, it’s not always possible to talk about mental health challenges and seek help where necessary
Inability to Access Mental Health Care: Studies have shown that companied to the US average of forty-three percent, only thirty-three percent of African Americans are able to access mental healthcare. This is largely due to two reasons. Firstly, there is a history of prejudice and discrimination towards African Americans in the healthcare system. This has ultimately led to a distrust of the system which is now preventing African Americans from getting the mental help that they need. Secondly, minorities of which African Americans are a part, are subject to certain socio-economic factors which makes it more difficult to afford and access medical help. A 2017 study showed that about eleven percent of African Americans did not have medical insurance.
Faith and Spirituality: Spirituality is a huge part of African American culture. Religious communities re usually a huge source of strength and support for black families. Research has further shown that African Americans have the tendencies to replace standard mental health care with emotional support from religious and social communities. While it is not entirely wrong to rely on family and friends for emotional support, in most cases of psychological distress, medical and therapeutic treatment is necessary.
Cultural Incompetence and Provider Bias: There is a bias, whether conscious or unconscious, in healthcare that often results in misdiagnoses and lower quality of care. Currently, African Americans make up less than two percent of the American Psychological Association. This means that there aren’t

enough mental healthcare providers that are culturally competent to treat mental condition as it relates to the African American community. For example, some African American women have been reported to experience physical pain which is usually directly related to their mental health issues. A mental healthcare expert who is not culturally competent might not pick up on these symptoms and relate them to mental health. These challenges have resulted in more black people being unwilling to seek mental health care.
In addition to all the outlined reasons, Black Americans are also very focused on presenting healthy and “unbroken” families. The fear of being seen as less than whole, or having their condition reflect poorly on their family’s image has led a lot of African Americans to resist seeking care.
As an African American with mental health issues, it is important to understand that you are not broken. If you are going to get better, you will need to see a mental health professional. Remember, if you do not feel comfortable with how your condition is being handled or the quality of care you’re receiving, it is within your power to seek out another professional. Make sure they understand your beliefs and your culture so that they can provide you with the best possible care.
If you think you cannot afford a private mental health professional, you could contact your local healthcare provider to discuss your options. Your mental health is important, don’t be afraid to ask for the help that you need.