Minority Women's Health

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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

1.   Women's Mental Health — This special section of womenshealth.gov 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/

2.   Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

3. African American Resources (Copyright © National Alliance on Mental Health) — This Web site features links to several mental health fact sheets, publications, and organizations specifically for African-Americans.

   http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Resources&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&C...

4.   African American Suicide Fact Sheet (Copyright © American Association of Suicidology) — This publication provides statistical information about suicide rates among African-Americans and what can be done do to reduce these rates.

   http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=232&name=DLFE-20.pdf...

5. Bipolar Disorder and African Americans (Copyright © Mental Health America) — Many African-Americans with bipolar disorder are not getting the treatment they need. But with proper treatment, people can control bipolar mood swings and lead fulfilling lives. This fact sheet discusses the symptoms and treatments of bipolar disorder.

   http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8995-1372-4D20-C85ABFB47A928F11

6. Depression and African Americans — Not “Just the Blues” (Copyright © Mental Health America) — This fact sheet explains clinical depression in African-American women. It answers some commonly asked questions about depression and provides resources for additional information.

   http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8C45-1372-4D20-C80E7F78C2F27791

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
3.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
4.   Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
5. National Alliance on Mental Illness

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.