Depression In African America Essay

Words: 409
Pages: 2

Most researchers focusing on African Americans and stigma related to mental illness have found a long history of negative attitude toward mental illness and a high degree of stigma associated with it (National Mental Health Association (NMHA), 1998; Silva de Crane & Spielberger, 1981; Thompson-Sanders et al., 2004; US DHHS, 2001). Although, studies of attitudes and beliefs specific to African American women are scarce, a recent qualitative study of African American women's beliefs about depression found the women believed they were not susceptible to depression (Waite & Killian, 2008). They believed that an individual develops depression due to having a “weak mind, poor health, a troubled spirit, and lack of self-love” (Ward, Heidrich p. 189). …show more content…
Mental illness stigma generally is a pervasive and widespread problem that has been documented throughout the United States and abroad (e.g., Angermeyer & Dietrich, 2006; Corrigan & Watson, 2002), identification of effective methods for reducing stigma among college students is especially needed and important. Although research consistently has found that factors like less personal contact and less familiarity with mental illness contribute to higher levels of stigma (Penn, Kommana, Mansfield, & Link, 1999; Penn et al., 1994; Phelan & Link, 2004). Mental Health and Stigma corresponds within Black women. Approximately 7.5 million African Americans have a diagnosed mental illness, and up to 7.5 million more may be affected but are undiagnosed (Davis, 2005). Women may be over-represented in these populations given the reported 2:1 gender ratio of depression (Immerman & Mackey, 2003). Depression is a stigmatized condition and persons who are depressed report more stigma associated with depression than do those who are not depressed. Small studies have produced conflicting results regarding the role of stigma in seeking mental health care among low-income women from ethnic minority groups. (Erum Ph. D, Lange M.S pg.