Mental Health is declining and Black women are hit the hardest
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Keita Joy |
TEDxBeaconStreet
• April 2020
Dealing with private pain, in public plain.
Did you know that in the United States, over 10.3 million adults have serious thoughts of suicide and/or battle with mental health struggles privately while continuing to produce and perform publicly? Imagine living with a constant, lingering private struggle, while performing in front of the world. This is the truth for many in America.
Studies have shown that exposure to childhood maltreatment and job strain were risk factors for depression. This problem was especially pronounced within the black community, specifically Black women, who reported experiencing an overwhelming amount of these issues, concluding that their experiences are only exacerbated as a double minority in America.
In order to make meaningful change in rates of adult suicidal ideation, we as a nation must not only identify and address mental health conditions early, but must also invest in inclusive social and economic development. Social and economic anxiety have been observed as key elements and determinants of depression and suicidal ideation in Black women and all people of color.
Increasing access to meaningful work and social support within communities and corporations is needed to heal our country and provide the actionable support needed to strengthen a group of people that add immeasurable value to our world.