Mental Illness
Stigma about mental illness in the black community remains a secret. A blemish that should be hidden. Some African-Americans consider mental illness a sign of weakness. If you show signs of mental illness. Many people say you need to be locked up. A stigma is when someone holds a negative attitude or stereotypes a habit or behavior of another person.
Stigma It’s everyone problem!
When someone who ignores another person’s problems and mislabels things this way, it makes life hard for the sufferer. “I’d watched too many schoolmates graduate into mental institutions, into group homes and jails, and I knew that locking people up was paranormal—against normal, not beside it. Locks didn’t cure; they strangled.” —Scott Westfield
This occurs in every race. But I want to focus on how blacks deal with it.
Mental Illness and Name Calling Stigma
There are still myths surrounding mental illnesses in black neighborhoods. African-American youth are made to feel inferior. Often, they are left out of mainstream society to struggle alone. Calling anyone names triggers all sorts of emotions such as anger, which turns to self-hatred. Labeling evokes feelings of helplessness and lowers self-worth. Labels can lead to stigma. Stereotypes make it harder for people to seek help… YouTube video title: Mental Illness Stigma PSA explains
Mental Illness in the Black Community
Not all teens struggling with depression are violent. But people sometimes apply the stigma of violent behavior to mentally ill black teens. When we put too much emphasis on their behavior, it makes others fearful. Fear fuels ignorance and causes isolation. Misinterpretations about mental illness in black young people can lead to stigma and breaches of trust and professional misconduct. This issue is rife within the black community.
Mental Illness and Behavioral Changes in Black Teens
Teens who suffer from mental illness can act out and have behavioral changes. Most African-American adolescents struggling with depression may be too afraid tell their families. They conceal it from everyone. Acting out becomes their norm. Many people view these teens as emotionally unstable and avoid them. It is disheartening that people walk out on them at the moment they need support the most. And it hurts these teens when people who abandon them use terms or names to define them as being crazy in a mocking way. It is not cool—it’s hurtful and harmful.
I think there is a stigma about mental illness no matter what color the person is.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy), You are correct but today I will only focus on african American thank you.
I think it is terrible that anyone has to suffer with depression.
I think most members of the media could really benefit by reading this. Thank you for pointing out that not all violent people are crazy because I think with how many people plead insanity it is forgotten.
Michelle, Just continuing to shed light on depression thanks for your support.
I have a friend that has mental health issues. It is very hard on my friend, but I do not think she has suffered much in the way of social shame. It is possible because she hasn’t been as open about it.
Keelie Reason, Your friend may feel isolated and fearful. Stigmas can cause fear being judge and make a person feel burdensome of what others think.
Depression is awful. I suffer in the winter and have a hard time getting out of bed.
This makes me so sad 🙁 I’m happy you are bringing attention to it though 🙂
It’s difficult to deal with discrimination and the like, sometimes it leads to something more… the loss of self-confidence and eventually issues like depression, etc. I know how it feels but it’s nice to have a support group.
I think ignorance about mental illness is getting worse in all communities instead of better! It’s just something people tend to brush off and ignore. It’s very sad.
Heidi Gray, Yea, people keep brushing the topic of depression under the rug too afraid to speak.
I feel depression and medication play vital role.. Thanks for sharing about stigma…
Urvi, You can work it out with your therapist if you feel medication is not working. Tell the therapist how you feel.
How can any community have a stigma. Mental illness knows no color.
Thank you for this great post and i love watching videos this is hard experience to suffer in Depression.
Victoria, Glad you like the video. Depression can make a person feel all alone we just need to reach out if we know someone going through these difficult times.
I worked in the prison system here in Canada and what astounded me was the mental health patients who committed crimes where sent to correctional facilities that were ill-equipped to deal with their issues. They were representative of all races. Thanks for raising the issue.
Claudette,
The prison systems in the north recognize the importance of having psych wards. Train personnel’s hired to dealing with these inmates. I see this as majored trend in jail and prison system here in the United States. Identifying and place in special unit they can get treated according to his or her diagnosis.
I feel there’s been a stigma for every race, but it’s diminishing. I’m sad to hear that’s not necessarily true within the black community. 🙁
I feel mental illness is felt throughout every color and race. Mental illness is a disease. I am tired of people calling mentally ill people crazy.
CYNTHIA NICOLETTI, I agree with you 100%.
OMG, yes. What a great topic. Mental health is such a taboo topic everywhere. No one wants to talk about it, much less deal with it. Great Post!
Mental illness is no joke. We all need to reach out to those around us.
It’s so important that this country starts taking mental health illnesses more serious. I understand how much of a strong person those in the black community feel they must be, but you also must remain open and caring bout yourself.
ashleigh, Yes, I agree lets us stop defining others base on their illnesses and support instead those who are Mentally ill by removing the stigma.
Very well said the Media especially the social networking has a big impact to us most especially to teenager’s life.
I feel very strongly about this subject. I have a relative who suffers from depression annd ocd. He was bullied as a child – His life is not easy – I found your post so relatable – thank you for sharing
Unfortunately I think this happens to all people suffering from mental illness we can only hope this changes one day!