Reimagining Mental Health Discourse Among African Americans

Did you know that African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population, including serious depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide? African Americans are also more likely to experience certain life circumstances that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition, including homelessness and exposure to violence. With this overwhelming threat to the African American community, perhaps what’s most tragic are the cultural barriers that often preclude African Americans from discussing the topic and seeking qualified professional help. These social barriers are deeply engrained and have been resistant to change across generations. With the rising rate of suicide and other self-destructive behaviors related to mental health within the African American community, we need to enlarge the platform and opportunities to discuss it in a meaningful way. This talk is yet another battle against the social norms that have proven to have deadly consequences among African Americans. While highlighting aspects of the African American journey, the opportunity for enhanced discourse is relevant for all audiences.