Why are black people less likely to seek out mental health services?

[Anonymous]

[Subarugirl]

According to an article written by Benita N. Chatmon, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, and publish by US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health. It is caused by a deep seeded mistrust and lack of representation in the medical community and the stigma surrounding mental health.

"For example, mental health illness is considered a taboo topic in the Black community. Those experiencing mental health issues are often considered weak, broken, and not strong enough. In fairness, the Black community has been the casualty of the medical industry, dating back to the Tuskegee experiment where many African American men were misled into being injected with syphilis when they thought they were receiving free health care. Hence, distrust of the health-care system still exists. As a result, you may see that those ascribing to the Black culture may find it difficult to accept a mental health problem or diagnosis and seek help. Because of culture stigma, underrepresented persons are left to find mental health treatment and support alone, if at all. Because cultural influences have an impact on perceptions of mental health, understanding the role of culture in mental illness is important in developing strategic initiatives to improve the negative effects of mental health illness." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7444121/#bibr1-1557988320949322

[OlderThanILook]

Old heads don't like the idea of mental health. They think it doesn't exist. Like literally anyone over the age of 35 in my family thinks that the cure for a depressed kid is to tell them to get over their issues ane act "normal" or to just beat them. I'm not even BSing you here. My cousin used to not want to go to school because he got bullied and developed anger issues that caused him to get jumped multiple times by classmates. His parents decided that it wasn't enough for him to get beaten at school, so they beat him at home until he wanted to go back to school. And they'll all hide behind the "I tUrNeD oUt FiNe" excuse. It's honestly a joke.

[Oigit]

Yes and old heads come in all colors. The whole I turned out fine excuse make me want to start listing all the ways that they are far from it. Also a lot of the old heads need to understand that getting help is also about ensuring that you don't pass your issues down to the next generation. Sometimes a kid turning out like their parents isn't a good thing and their parents unwillingness to get help for their issues ensures nothing but serious issues gets passed down.

[Anonymous]

Their are some old school expectations on them to be tough. But also black people tend to stick closer to their community which can be (better or worse) helpful for mental health issues. White people isolate more which can be dangerous.

[loveslongnails]

There's a big stigma attached to it in Black culture, whereas in white culture, being in therapy for something is almost "cool".

[Asker]

Do black people think their issues most likely won't be taken seriously?

[loveslongnails]

I have no idea if that's the case. My guess is the stigma's there because it's perceived as a sign of weakness.

[Finchie40]

Cuz they are mentally ill and don’t realize they have metal problems

[Naughtyboy71]

Touch question don't no their mind
every one different

[fireforeffect]

I do not know that you are stating a fact. What is your source for that notion?

[MCheetah]

I don't think this is really a thing.

[Somegirl678]

maybe they think they won't get treated well

[CuriousMufuxka]

They don't accept ebt cards?

[notwoke]

I don't think this is a major crisis

[SHREYASH007]

Maybe they don't have enough money.

[Anonymous]

I am not sure if that is totally accurate or not.

[jahaims]

Cultural stigma

[Cringe]

Good question

[Smartman5]

they may not need it

[007kingifrit]

56% of all violent crime is black on black... they need it

[EaterPeter]

Coz it's costly?