19 / 34
17
The recommendation from the study was to improve depression screening by providers to identify affected patients and
increase instances of appropriate interventions, such as mental health referrals and/or treatment with antidepressants.
36
BELIEFS AND CULTURE NORMS IN MINORITIES THAT AFFECT DEPRESSION
There are a variety of misconceptions regarding depression within the African American and Hispanic and Latino
community. Younger generations of these ethnic groups may feel that they should have little reason to be depressed when
their lives are less burdened, and their ancestors have overcome so much. Also, mental disorders represent weakness
in these communities and it’s an unspoken belief that it is shameful to seek mental health assistance in place of religion.
Spiritual support can be an important part of healing, but the care of a qualified mental health professional is essential.
Ethnic and racial minorities may be less likely to seek help for depression, and those with lower incomes may have more
difficulty gaining access to specialized health care. In addition, they may be more likely to seek help from nonmedical
providers, such as pastors or lay counselors, according to the researchers. Other research has suggested that minorities
tend to cite stigma or shame associated with having a mental disorder as a reason for not seeking help for depression.
26
Relative to depression, ethnic minorities are more likely to experience higher degrees of functional limitation and chronicity
compared to Caucasian Americans.
37, 38
Working age adults may feel ashamed to acknowledge depression for fear that it will impact their job by discrediting them as
a leader and preventing them from advancing. The tendency is to minimize the significance of stress therefore ignoring the
threat of mental illness and striving to overcome problems through self-reliance and determination.
The African American Community
In 2013, the population of African Americans (including individuals claiming an
additional race) was estimated at 45 million, making up 15.2% of the total U.S.
population. Those who identified as only African American were estimated at over
41.7 million, 13.2% of the U.S. population.
39
The U.S. Census
Bureau projects that there will be 74.5 million African Americans in the United
States by the year 2060.
40
Access and Views on Healthcare within the African American Community
It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize the impact of historical discrimination, and consequent potential for
mistrust and fear.
41
Many African Americans have a religious orientation or viewpoint grounded in African American social
and cultural history, which often emphasizes a holistic approach to health and healthcare.
42
Over the decades, church
became the source of healing for both body and soul when often there was no other healthcare available.
43
Depression and African Americans
Misdiagnosis and under-treatment of depression is especially common within the African American community. Many African
Americans do not seek treatment because it is viewed as a personal weakness, not a health problem.
The National Survey of American Life: a study of racial, ethnic and cultural influences on mental disorders and mental
health
, provided evidence of African Americans exhibiting certain characteristics such as shame and fear. For example,
avoiding emotions was, and continues to be, a survival technique that has evolved into a cultural habit. Five reasons a
majority of the population withholds information about their depression includes:
44
• potential to hurt family members
• fear that being open about mental illness could ruin their career
• others might label them as “crazy”
• obligation to always appear strong