Depression is just as common in black communities as it is in white communities, but there are significant differences.
Black people face different social pressures that can increase their risk of depression. Although the prevalence of depression is similar in black and white communities, suicide rates among black youth have risen sharply over the past 20 years.
This points to a looming black mental health crisis. Black people can develop different symptoms of depression and are less likely to seek or remain in treatment. Managing depression is critical in all communities, and finding racially sensitive treatment can be important for Black people dealing with racial trauma and discrimination.
Read further to learn more about depression in black communities, including causes, symptoms, common myths and stigma, and treatment options.
Causes
Depression is a complex illness that can affect a person’s relationships, mental well-being, and physical health. Researchers have not identified a single cause for inducing this condition.
Instead, several risk factors may predispose people to depression. Regardless of ethnicity, the most common causes of depression include:
Genetic factors: Depression appears to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic link.
Biological factors: Physical changes in the body can increase the risk of depression. Certain medications or medical conditions can alter a person’s brain chemistry.
Environmental factors: Stress, trauma, and abuse can increase a person’s risk of depression. The risk can also increase in difficult situations, such as after losing a job or a relationship.
Psychological Factors: A person’s temperament, psychological makeup, and worldview can increase their risk of depression. For example, people with a negative attitude may be more vulnerable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression are the same in blacks and non-blacks, although symptom profiles can vary from person to person.
Because black people may have trouble getting treatment, their symptoms may become more severe in the meantime. In addition, stigma can cause some black people to hide their symptoms of depression.
Some signs of depression are:
- Feeling glum or depressed all or most of the time
- Loss of curiosity in activities you used to relish
- Changing your sleep patterns, such as going to bed. e.g. too little or too much sleep
- Change in your appetiteg. eating too much or too little
- Unwanted weight loss or weight gain
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, low energy, and fatigue
- Loss of motivation
- Feeling anxious or having trouble concentrating.
- Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, or nausea.
Depression symptoms can also affect a person’s cognition. Healthcare providers sometimes fail to recognize and treat depression in black people. Some studies suggest that doctors are less likely to recognize or take seriously a wide range of health symptoms when black people are involved.
Statistical research generally suggests that rates of depression are similar or slightly lower in blacks than in whites.
One study found a lifetime depression rate of 10.4% in blacks and 17.9% in whites. Most studies, however, show that black depression lasts longer.
They are also more likely to have co-diagnoses such as addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Racism and stigma in psychiatry can increase the impact of depression.
Physicians and other care providers offer lower treatment rates for black people with depression than their white counterparts. They do not recognize racism and racial trauma.
Many people with depression have suicidal thoughts. Suicide rates are increasing among some groups of African Americans. Black high school students report suicidal thoughts at 9.8% compared to 6.1% for white students. And while suicide attempts among white teens fell between 1991 and 2017, they increased by 73% among black teens over the same period. Try different treatments to get the best relief.
Some of the most effective treatments for depression include:
Medications: A wide range of medications help with depression. Some people may need to try a combination of drugs or different doses of a single drug.
Therapy: Therapy can help a person process negative emotions, develop coping skills, heal their relationships, and understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings.
Lifestyle Changes: Many people with depression find that getting more exercise, making healthy dietary changes, and getting good sleep can help.
Hospitalization: People with major depression may need hospitalization.
Alternative Therapies: Some people find additional support in acupuncture, meditation, and other alternative medicines.
A word from the doctor —
Depression can cause intense sadness, but it can trigger a complex combination of other symptoms.
Many people with this ailment acknowledge their case is unsalvageable, what might prevent them from seeking treatment. With the right care, even people with major depression can feel better.
Black people can receive the most effective treatment from culturally competent therapists who specialize in black mental health.
If you need further help, contact me right away!
