African Americans Perceptions of Mental Health and the Implications for Health Service Delivery Essay example

Words: 2499
Pages: 10
Open Document
“I’m Not Crazy”: African Americans Perceptions of Mental Health and the Implications for Health Service Delivery
Hillary Marts
Vanderbilt University

African Americans Perceptions of Mental Health and the Implications for Health Service Delivery
As discussed in class, little advancement has been made in the field of mental health care over the past two decades. Rates of mental illness continue to be high especially among certain subgroups, but progress has been stunted by stigma and social environmental issues. Mental health disparities, like many other health disparities, are embedded within a trend of socioeconomic differences (Miranda, McGuire, Williams, & Wang, 2008). Racial and class disparities exist among those afflicted …show more content…
Fear of embarrassment
The feeling of embarrassment is a significant barrier to African Americans who consider seeking mental health services (Snowden, 2001). This is another deterrent that affects African Americans to a greater degree than Whites (Snowden, 2001). In a study by Alvidrez (2008), 29% of respondents described mental illness as being described, discussed and handled as a very inappropriate subject in their family (Alvidrez et al., 2008). One subject’s response clearly indicated the stigmatization involved: “It’s not even really called mental health, it’s like a “crazy home”, and when you think of “mental health”, you see the most severe case…that’s what mental health is thought of. It’s not anxiety or depression, or anything—bipolar, it’s just, just crazy” (Alvidrez et al., 2008). After growing up with such beliefs, it is hard to not face some type of reluctance when recognizing that you may need help. Fears of social rejection, discrimination, ridicule and gossip are some of the most often cited concerns (Alvidrez et al., 2008).
Negative views towards treatment
African Americans are obliged to seek support in troubling times, but this is expected to come from family members and community members (Snowden, 2001). They believe that help should come in the form of indirect ways such as through reassurance, companionship, and advice, not mental health terms. Alvidrez (2008) found that “seeking mental health treatment was viewed as inappropriate because it
Show More

Related Documents: African Americans Perceptions of Mental Health and the Implications for Health Service Delivery Essay example

Essay on preschool

California Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 CALIFORNIA DEPAR TMENT OF EDUCATION • SACRAMENTO, 2010 California Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 Visual and Performing Arts Physical Development Health Publishing Information The California Preschool Learning Foundations (Volume 2) was developed by the Child Development Division, California Department of Education. This publication was edited by Faye Ong, working in cooperation with Laura Bridges and Desiree…

Words 46134 - Pages 185

Collin Technologies Case Study Essay

2013 Collin Technologies Case Study Baldrige Performance Excellence Program National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) • United States Department of Commerce July 2013 To obtain Baldrige Program products and services, contact Baldrige Performance Excellence Program Administration Building, Room A600 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1020 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020 Telephone: (301) 975-2036 Fax: (301) 948-3716 E-mail: baldrige@nist.gov Web: http://www.nist.gov/baldrige The Collin Technologies…

Words 33512 - Pages 135

Gp Essay Mainpoints

GP NOTES 2010 (ESSAY) Content Page 1. Media a. New vs. Traditional b. New: narcissistic? c. Government Censorship d. Profit-driven Media e. Advertising f. Private life of public figures g. Celebrity as a role model h. Blame media for our problems i. Power + Responsibility of Media j. Media ethics k. New Media and Democracy 2. Science/Tech a. Science and Ethics b. Government and scientist role in science c. Rely too much on technology? d. Nuclear technology…

Words 24667 - Pages 99

Phd Comprehensive Exam. in Leadership Essay

Comprehensive Examination Written Responses Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy by George E. Anderson III Leadership School of Business and Technology Capella University QUESTION 1 The mixed method has recently become a popular method of research. Analyze and compare the mixed method, qualitative and quantitative research methods. Evaluate the effectiveness of each as a valid method of research on models of military…

Words 15025 - Pages 61

Essay on Case Study

PART ONE Medical-Surgical Cases 1 1 Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Disorders Case Study 1 Heart Failure Difficulty: Beginning Setting: Emergency department, hospital Index Words: heart failure (HF), cardiomyopathy, volume overload, quality of life X Scenario M.G., a “frequent flier,” is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF). She was discharged from the hospital 10 days ago and comes in today stating, “I just had to come to the hospital today because I…

Words 33991 - Pages 136

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Essay

companies, manage staff and communicate with customers. Intercultural communication gives them an insight into the areas they need to address or understand. Intercultural communication theories are now also used within the education, health care and other public services due to growing multicultural populations. Cross Cultural Understanding Terminology within the cross cultural communications field can sometimes be baffling to those reading the literature, websites or promotional material. Many…

Words 29173 - Pages 117