Mental Health

Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Mental Health

African Americans are more likely than whites to have a serious mental health disorder. African American and white women suffer from many of the same types of mental health disorders, but African American women tend to have lower rates of major depression than white women, and higher rates of phobias.

African Americans are less likely than whites to receive treatment for mental health problems. This may be because there is less trust in the medical community. Other reasons could include not having insurance or not being able to get to the doctor. In some communities, people may rely on their friends or religious community for support instead of seeing a doctor.

Mental health disorders are real and serious illnesses that can be treated. If you think you have a mental illness, talk to your doctor or a trusted family member or friend who can help you find treatment. You are not alone. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it.

Publications

Women's Mental Health - This special section of our web site provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life. It also links to information on mental health for men, girls, and people with a chronic illness or disability.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/mh/
Housing Options for People with Mental Illness - This publication provides information on where people suffering from severe mental illness can get help with finding housing.
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0048/default.asp
How to Pay For Mental Health Services - The cost of mental health services is a financial challenge for just about everyone. This fact sheet discusses ways to pay for care and suggests resources for people who need more information.
http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0050/default.asp
Mental Health Services Locator - This internet site can help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp
African American Community Mental Health Fact Sheet (Copyright © NAMI) - This fact sheet provides information on how mental illness affects African Americans and lists some of the barriers they face in trying to get treatment.
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/MIO/Fact_Sheets1/AA_MH_Disparities_04.p...
African American Suicide Fact Sheet (Copyright © AAS) - This publication contains statistical information about suicide rates among African Americans and what can be done do to reduce these rates.
http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/AfAMSuicideFactSheet2003.pdf
Bipolar Disorder and African Americans (Copyright © NMHA) - A person with bipolar disorder can go from feeling very, very high (called mania) to feeling very, very low (depression). With proper treatment, people can control these mood swings and lead fulfilling lives.
http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8995-1372-4D20-C85ABFB47A928F11
Depression and African Americans—Not “Just the Blues” (Copyright © NMHA) - This fact sheet explains clinical depression with regards to African American women. It answers some commonly asked questions about depression, treatment, and provides resources for additional information.
http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8C45-1372-4D20-C80E7F78C2F27791
Facts about Stigma and Mental Illness in Diverse Communities (Copyright © NAMI) - This publication explains what stigma is, what it has to do with mental illness, and how it affects minorities. It also gives steps you can take to prevent the stigma of mental illness.
http://www.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=5148

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007