Depression in the African American Community
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Jacqueline Johnson
Professor Blaine
ENG 102-12 12:30
24 March 2004
Depression in the African American Community
Mental health professionals state that clinical depression is a treatable illness that can strike everyone, it can be caused by biological factors, genetics, difficult life events, negative thinking patterns and, physical health problems. People that suffer from depression may not feel hopeful, happy about life or anything dealing with life's ups or downs. They may cry a lot, stay away from friends and family, forgetfulness, anxious and worried all the time, the more serious think of death or suicide. This is not just a mood that one gets in; this is an imbalance in neurotransmitters (chemical in the brain) (Starling 4).
12 million people in the United States experience clinical depression. One in eight women develop clinical depression in a lifetime. Most women between the ages of 25 to 44 are in childbearing years, and thirty to fifty percent of them (blacks) are misdiagnosed because of cultural barriers, language, trust, and values between doctor an patient (NMHA 2). The National Mental Health Association has recorded that 63% of African American believe that depression is a personal weakness, 31% believed it is a health problem, 30% could handle it themselves, and 20% would seek help from friends and family. Although one in four recognize a change in their eating habits as a sign of depression, only 16% recognize irritability as a sign of depression. However, only one third of African Americans would take medication if the doctor prescribed it for them (NMHA 2)...