False believes about Mental Illness in the african american community.
Black children and depression: There is an illusion that despair only happens to White people with money. However, Sadness and the blues affects everyone regardless of age, race or class. There is even more common fallacy regarding who mental illness doesn’t affect. Additionally, the overwhelming belief is that Blacks do not usually suffer.
- Black people do not struggle with depression and mental illness like other kids.
We suffer just like everyone else does. In the same way, if you’re suffering, please know you’re not alone. African American teens you can get help, too
Black children family believes.
- Therapy is not for our black children.
No one is partial to the process of being evaluated and then medicated. However, this is not the only thing that therapists do. This idea is common “knowledge” in the Black community as well.
- Black children who are depressed is considered weak.
Often takes a very strong person to deal with clinical depression. And ask for the help they need as well. Shunned by family this an extra burden that an already depressed teen has to endure. Your child is not weak. They are having a difficult time coping. The fact remains that anyone who has a history of depression is at a higher risk regardless of the race not beacuse of any weakness.
The black children going to be label as crazy or lazy.
- Parents afraid society will look down on their child.
Prolonged sadness is not something that a teen will simply “snap out of”. It is a severe condition that, if untreated, can get worse. The youth is not lazy. Depression make them just want to sleep. Fearful of what society thinks of your teenagers may harm her in the end. Especially, if it is overlook or not recognized in the home. It is important that parents recognize the symptoms and make sure their teen gets treated.
Teenage depression and Black children learn the facts before you judge.
- Anxiety is a White problem.
Actually, social anxiety disorders are extremely common for all kinds of teens. Anxiety is not strictly found in White communities. It should be noted that, the way the two different cultural groups deal with anxiety may differ. Furthermore, all races of people suffer from being anxious at times.
10 Myth about Black kids & Teenage Depression
7.Singing and dancing must mean “HAPPY”
We have an amazing capacity to smile in the face of adversity. This ability does not mean that they we are not suffering inside.
8.They deal well with their stress and hardship.
Everybody deals with stress differently. Some teenagers have learned to cope well with their life stresses. Life lessons can make a person stronger. And more capable of handling different situations However, this is not a temporary circumstance. The Black community needs to deal with Mental disorder because, it can give rise to numerous illness.
There is hope and help.
9 Teenage depression is temporary.
Important to realize, these myths associated with various ethnic groups. It is not merely state of a teen being sad to clarify, depression is debilitating and can take over a person’s life. The effects of depression can be lifelong.
10. White Doctors & medicine won’t help my child.
Clinical depression can be very difficult to treat. The proper support and medication helps. If it is not recognized as a problem among many African Americans.There is the feeling that Black people will not be offered medical support. It’s probable that lifestyle, religious and cultural influences play a huge role. African American adolescents must deal with their illnesses. Many teens are denied access to treatment because of parental beliefs. That’s why it is vital to recognize that Black American teens are equally susceptible to mental disorders. It is important to offer guidance and support wherever possible, as you would do for anyone else.
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I never thought about the fact that most therapists are not African American. I am sure it helps to talk to someone with similar background, but boy will we celebrate the day where skin color really isn’t an issue!
Kristen @ A mind full Mom, Sorry I was not clear to you in this Blog Post 10 Misconception Talk about African American Teens & Depression. This article is not about the therapists. Since you mention “most therapists are not African American” We can’t expect therapist to only treat their own race this would be unethical.
Anxiety attacks are definitely not a race issue. I have personally been to therapy multiple times as well as still suffer from anxiety due to various situations. This post has opened my eyes so much. There are so many stories I could share. There is nothing weak about getting treatment for any type of mental disorder. Thank you for writing this.
This is a great topic and I’m so glad you touched on it. Depression and mental illness are both topics that have seemed taboo for years in the African American community, but as we have seen from so many recent events, it’s necessary to talk about. I’m glad you’re dispelling the myths and I hope that more us no matter our race will try to get help when it’s needed.
Thanks for exposing these myths. It’s sad that people don’t realize that AA suffer the same way other races do.
Wow look at all of these misconceptions of African Americans and depressions. The issue that I think is a big issue in the AA community is that they do not get the mental help they need due to being labeled or embarrassment. More parents in the AA community, if they have a teen that is depressed get them professional help and not trying to self diagnosis their condition or ignore their depressive symptoms it wont just go away like a cold.
Kiwi, AA have these believes about mental health that is base on fears. We need to use education effectively through awareness hopeful this will decrease the myth.
This is a serious subject and believe if a (trusted) professional they should. Family should be supportive too. This is a great article and wish this was talked about more often.
Very good points! It is a serious issue that every culture should be aware of to get help.
Very informative post about depression and AA Teens. We should all educate ourselves on this issue!
Thank you for shedding light on this topic! Depression in African American teens is real and shouldn’t be swept under the rug
As a black girl who suffers from anxiety I too know that these things are not true. I hope that we can get to a place where we all feel comfortable getting whatever it is that we need. Its always cool to take of ourselves and if that means therapy I say go for it.
Thanks for sharing.
Depression is real and I wish more people in the African American would seek the professional help they need to deal with mental illness. It irks me to no end when people say you’re crazy or something is wrong with you if you see a therapist. I think we need more post like this to encourage African Americans to seek the help they need to deal with depression.
Siobhan(BeFree Project) I will continue to inform others in our community about depression hopeful decrease the stigma of mental illness.
This is such a deep topic and I am really glad you opened up conversation around it. So many people feel ashamed of having mental illness and depression because our community doesn’t recognize it.
Adanna, Yes, Lots of Myth and stigmas surrounding Mental illness and even our health in the community.
I’m so glad I’ve never dealt with depression but I know it is a serious thing. My fiancé has dealt with it and sometimes its hard for me to understand cause I feel like just be happy but I know its deeper than that.
Kayvona, It’s hard for people who are depressed to just be happy and I am glad you understand.
This is a great article- tons of great information. Thanks for sharing.
These are all most certainly myths. There’s so much baggage that comes with it all. Being a strong woman is one that comes to mind. As black women we hold so much together that we forget that it’s OK to fall apart sometimes.
It really is a shame when teens fall into the depth of depression. I always wish that those who find themselves in that situation are able to seek help. No, it doesn’t mean that the person is weak.