ADAA Stands Against Racism
June 4, 2020
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s (ADAA) mission is more critical than ever. Since ADAA’s founding 40 years ago, we have been committed to ensuring that everyone who struggles with an anxiety disorder, depression or PTSD can obtain the resources they need to live healthier and more productive lives.
Over the last few months, we have seen that many of our poorest neighborhoods and communities of color have suffered disproportionately from the spread of COVID-19. Many of these same marginalized communities are also grappling with economic uncertainty, and now with the recent killing of George Floyd following so many other killings of African Americans, with increased mental health issues. ADAA’s mental health experts understand that exposure to these pervasive racial traumas and stressors are detrimental to one’s mental health. We also know that many people of color who suffer from mental health issues also experience less access to care and services. Read the full statement here.
Facts and Statistics
Although anyone can develop a mental health problem, Black Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Black youth who are exposed to violence are at a greater risk for PTSD by over 25%.1 Black Americans are also more likely to be exposed to factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition, such as homelessness and exposure to violence.
In the Black community, people often misunderstand what a mental health condition is and therefore the subject is uncommon. This lack of understanding leads many to believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or a form of punishment. Many Black Americans have trouble recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which leads to them underestimating the effects of mental health conditions. Black Americans may also be reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment because of the shame and stigma still associated with such conditions in their community.2
Choosing a Provider
It is important to find a provider who demonstrates cultural competence - which describes the ability of healthcare systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors and taking into account their social, cultural and linguistic needs.3 Unfortunately, research has shown lack of cultural competence in mental health care, which results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. When meeting with your provider, ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity, such as whether they have treated other African Americans, received training in cultural competence, and how they plan to take your beliefs and practices into account when suggesting treatment. Learn more about finding the right therapist.
ADAA Member Blog Posts, Webinars and Media Resources:
2020
- How Organizations Can Support the Mental Health of Black Employees, HBR.org, Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD
- Persistent Trauma of Systemic Racial Inequities and the Perils of COVID-19, blog post by Mbemba Jabbi, PhD and Kathariya Mokrue, PhD
- Protests, Racism and Our Children: Helping Kids Cope, ADAA blog post for parents, Michelle Witkin, PhD
- Addressing Systemic Racism in Action: Understanding the Mental Health Professionals’ Tools for Change, ADAA Blog Post for Therapists, Kimberyle Dean, PhD and Luana Marques, PhD
2017-2019
- To Be Female, Anxious and Black, blog post, Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD
- The Link Between Experiences of Racism and Stress and Anxiety for Black Americans, blog post, Tahirah Abdullah, PhD and Jess Graham, PhD
- Diverse Women in Clinical Trials: Making a Difference, blog post, Marsha B. Henderson
- African Americans With Anxiety: How to Overcome Unique Obstacles, blog post, Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD
Personal Stories from our Public Community:
- My Experience as a Black Artist with Racial Trauma, by Amaranthia Sepia, June, 2020
- Easy (A)nxiety - Short Film, by Briana Stanley, 2019
- Letting the Music Speak, by Khing Ceaze, 2019
- Kennedy's Story, by Kennedy Campbell, 2019
- I Beat Anxiety and Depression, by Kellene Diana, 2019
- A Long Line of Depression and Anxiety: The Stigma Stops Here, Adina Young, 2018
Other Mental Health Resources:
- Aakoma Project
- African American Mental Health Providers
- Ash Inspires
- Association of Black Therapists
- BLKHLTH
- Black Girl In Om
- Black Girls Smile
- Black Mental Health Alliance
- Black Mental Health Wellness
- Mental Health Coalition: Black Mental Health Resources
- Boris L Henson Foundation
- Check Your Privilege
- Decolonizing Psychology
- DiveInWell
- Dr. Erlanger Turner, Clinical Psychologist
- Ethel's Club
- Healing Black Women
- Healing While Black
- Inclusive Therapists
- JED Foundation - Love is Louder Project
- Mentallyawareng
- Mental Health Coalition BIPOC Resources
- Mental Health Resources for African Americans - NAMI.org
- The Movement for Black Lives
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
- Ourselves Black
- PsychHub List of Resources
- QTPoC Mental Health
- The Steve Fund
- Talkspace:is offering a free therapist-led support group in addition to offering substantial financial assistance for therapy in the Black community.
- The Safe Place App is a Minority Mental Health app that educates and raises more awareness on Mental Illness in the Black Community
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Therapy for Black Men | Therapist Directory, Coach Directory, Blog
Trending Articles
- Kanye West’s Recent Breakdown Highlights How Social Media Further Stigmatizes Mental Health Challenges In The Black Community, Forbes.com
- Black men face high discrimination and depression, even as their education and incomes rise, TheConversation.com
- A Growing Push to Treat Racism’s Impact on Mental Health, Wall Street Journal
- 'Bear Our Pain': The Plea For More Black Mental Health Workers, NPR.org
- How To Find A Therapist Who Focuses On Black Mental Health, Huffington Post
- Depression and anxiety spiked among black Americans after George Floyd’s death, WashingtonPost
- One Way to Be an Ally Right Now? Support Black Mental Health Huffington Post
1. African Americans Have Limited Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care, APA
2. African American Mental Health, NAMI
3. Becoming a Culturally Competent Health Care Organization, AHA