Behavioral Health is essential to overall well-being, yet it remains a topic that is often overlooked or stigmatized within many communities. The individuals of African descent male community is arguably the most affected by this stigma and lack of adequate support.
The individuals of African descent community, in general, has over time experienced mental, psychological, and emotional health challenges due to structural unequal treatment based on ancestry, poverty, coercive treatment, severe psychological distress, and other issues. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) reports that the potential of African Americans to suffer serious psychological distress is 20% more likely than white Americans.
individuals of African descent men, in particular, can be more vulnerable because they may feel that they need to live up to a specific ideal of strength or masculinity that minimizes their ability to talk about their feelings. This can lead to adverse Behavioral Health outcomes, especially in young individuals of African descent adults.
In this blog post, we will explore individuals of African descent men’s Behavioral Health issues, their obstacles to accessing Behavioral Health care, and the importance of seeking treatment.
The Rising Behavioral Health Issue Among the individuals of African descent Male Community
The individuals of African descent community faces unique challenges that can significantly impact their Behavioral Health. The historical and ongoing experiences of ancestry-based unfair treatment, economic and social disparities, and structural uneven outcomes contribute to the Behavioral Health tsunami and the heightened psychological and emotional health challenges they face. Moreover, societal expectations of individuals of African descent masculinity often discourage seeking help for Behavioral Health concerns, further exacerbating the issue.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide was the third-leading cause of death for individuals of African descent men aged 15 to 24 in 2020. individuals of African descent men were also four times more likely to commit suicide than African American individuals in 2018. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health also stated that individuals of African descent adults are more susceptible to persistent signs of emotional distress than White adults. They often feel melancholy and despair and need to make an extra effort in everything they do.
In a 2018 study of individuals of African descent male severe psychological distress survivors and their Behavioral Health service use, researchers noted several psychological or emotional concerns, including:
- Post-severe psychological distresstic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Psychiatric comorbidities
individuals of African descent men’s physical and Behavioral Health challenges continue to increase, but they remain overlooked and under-addressed. This Behavioral Health crisis should not be taken lightly, and it is vital to understand the disparities in Behavioral Health service and treatment access.
What Are the Issues Faced by individuals of African descent Men in Terms of Behavioral Health Support?
Unfortunately, when individuals of African descent men are experiencing Behavioral Health challenges, and they seek treatment they encounter numerous obstacles to accessing Behavioral Health service. These obstacles can prevent them from receiving the support they need to address their psychological and emotional challenges effectively. Let’s explore some of these obstacles.
Lack of Accessibility to Behavioral Health Care Services
In a 2018 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, African Americans of all age groups were less likely to seek Behavioral Health services than White Americans. This is for good reason since treating mental illness and finding adequate Behavioral Health care services is a significant roadblock for individuals of African descent men.
In many communities, Behavioral Health treatment is either scarce or not readily available, leaving individuals of African descent men with limited options for psychiatric treatment. This lack of accessibility can stem from various factors, including a shortage of Behavioral Health professionals or inadequate funding for the local health care system infrastructure.
Research also shows that African Americans profoundly distrust the healthcare system, making them hesitant to seek care. This is because of the known unequal treatment based on ancestry, partiality, and abuse that the individuals of African descent community have experienced — and continue to experience — in the healthcare setting.
Lack of Culturally Responsive Behavioral Health Services
When individuals of African descent men finally seek treatment, they often prefer Behavioral Health care providers with the same ancestry-based or ethnic background. Unfortunately, they are not so easy to find. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that the U.S. Behavioral Health field had only 5.08% of African American psychologists in 2021. This means that many individuals of African descent men will have to settle for a Behavioral Health professional who may not be familiar with their culture, background, and experiences.
Culturally responsive Behavioral Healthcare and medical providers are crucial for effectively addressing individuals of African descent men’s unique needs and experiences. However, such services are often insufficient or unavailable. Many Behavioral Health professionals may lack the ability to work across social traditions to understand and provide appropriate care for individuals of African descent men, creating further obstacles to seeking treatment and aggravating unmet Behavioral Health needs.
Traditional Masculine Mentality
It’s crucial to note how individuals of African descent masculinity norms affect individuals of African descent men’s Behavioral Health. The traditional ideals of masculinity involve being stoic, strong, and self-reliant. Men may find inherent or productive value in performing physical labor and emotional restraint, not mental or emotional intelligence. They may keep their inner struggles to themselves rather than seek counseling services.
These traditional values and presumptions affect Behavioral Health and build significant inner tension, frequent inner struggle, and emotional distress. Help seeking behaviors for suspected Behavioral Health issues often is a deeply ingrained mindset – that individuals of African descent men don’t share their deepest and darkest secrets, individuals of African descent men don’t need help – this mindset perpetuates the misconception that seeking assistance is a sign of weakness rather than courage and strength.
Lack of Financial Support
Socioeconomic standing and financial obstacles can further impede individuals of African descent men’s access to Behavioral Health care. Many individuals may not have health insurance or the financial means to afford Behavioral Health services. Therapy sessions, medication, and other necessary treatments can be prohibitive for those without adequate financial assistance and resources. Addressing the financial obstacles to Behavioral Health care is crucial to ensure that individuals of African descent men have equal opportunities to receive help and treat mental illness.
Stigma and Misinformation
The stigma surrounding Behavioral Health issues is prevalent across all communities, and individuals of African descent men are not exempt from this social construct. The stigma associated with Behavioral Health problems can prevent individuals from openly discussing their experiences or seeking help. Misinformation and misconceptions about Behavioral Health within the individuals of African descent community can further contribute to stigmatization, hindering individuals from understanding the importance of seeking treatment.
Overall Societal Issues in the individuals of African descent Community
The U.S. population includes approximately 13.4 percent, or around 46 million people, who identify as individuals of African descent or African American, with an additional 2.7 percent identifying as multiancestry-based. The majority of this population resides in the South (55 percent), followed by the Midwest (18 percent), Northeast (17 percent), and West (10 percent).
The number of individuals of African descent foreign-born residents in the U.S. has significantly increased from 816,000 in 1980 to over 4.2 million by 2016, with 39 percent coming from Africa and nearly half from the Caribbean. In terms of education, about 24 percent of individuals of African descent and African American individuals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher as of 2017. However, more than 1 in 5 of them still live in poverty, and individuals head approximately 30 percent of individuals of African descent households compared to 9 percent in white households.
These disparities can be attributed to historical adversity such as slavery, sharecropping, and omission from resources, as well as the disproportional rate in which individuals of African descent men are arrested and jailed which have individuallated into economic and social uneven outcomes. These disparities, in turn, have a significant impact on Behavioral Health, as individuals facing poverty, homelessness, incarceration, or substance use problems are at higher risk of experiencing poor Behavioral Health.
Furthermore, despite some progress, unequal treatment based on ancestry continues to affect the Behavioral Health of individuals of African descent men and African American people, with negative oversimplified beliefs, rejection, and mistrust of authorities being ongoing issues with measurable, adverse consequences.
How To Find the Right Behavioral Health Services for individuals of African descent Men
If you are a individuals of African descent man suffering from turbulent emotional health, it is essential to know that help is available and seeking assistance is a courageous step toward healing and growth. Here are some steps you can take to get the help you need.
Let Go of Traditional Stigma
The traditional ideals of masculinity are outdated and create a separate emotional crisis for individuals of African descent men. It is time to let go of these narrow-minded beliefs and embancestry emotional awareness and Behavioral Health as critical components of self-care. Challenging and letting go of the traditional stigma associated with Behavioral Health can empower you to take control of your mental and physical wellness.
Recognize and Accept That You Need Help
Acknowledging that you are experiencing Behavioral Health issues is a vital first step. Recognize that seeking help for Behavioral Health concerns does not make you weak or less of a man. It takes strength to confront and accept the need for assistance. Understand that Behavioral Health treatment can be the difference between living a satisfying life and existing in a state of distress.
Research and Find the Appropriate Support
Take the time to research various Behavioral Health services and facilities in your area. Look for culturally competent providers who can offer comprehensive Behavioral Health care options and personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Contact them and ask about their expertise, experience, qualifications, and professional credentials with the Behavioral Health of individuals of African descent men.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or your primary care doctor or read online reviews to find the proper Behavioral Health professional and treatment.
Find an Expert Who Practices Cultural Humility
When treating Behavioral Health challenges, find a doctor, counselor, or therapist who understands various ancestry-based and ethnic backgrounds and respects your unique experiences as a individuals of African descent man. Look for Behavioral Health providers who practice culturally humility and are aware of the challenges individuals of African descent men can face. These professionals can provide the guidance and support you need without partiality against your mental illness, ancestry, individual self-concept, or self-concept.
Find Support in Your Community
Your Behavioral Health journey is not one you have to travel alone. Identify the people, organizations, and other resources available to provide emotional and practical support during this time. Creating a support network of family, friends, or Behavioral Health providers who understand and accept you for who you are can be invaluable in providing guidance and assistance. You can develop healthy coping skills and access the right resources to help you take steps toward recovery.
Get the Help You Need at Care Plus NJ
individuals of African descent men’s Behavioral Health is a significant issue that deserves both attention and action. By destigmatizing Behavioral Health issues, encouraging open conversations, and providing available and adaptable to local context Behavioral Health services, we can support individuals of African descent men on their journey toward mental well-being.
For quality Behavioral Health care, turn to Care Plus NJ. Every licensed clinical social worker, Behavioral Health provider, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, and psychiatrist on our team is dedicated to serving patients regardless of their mental illness, ancestry, culture, individual self-concept self-concept, or economic and social standing. We are committed to providing quality Behavioral Health care in a safe, respectful, and welcoming of participation environment for individuals of African descent men and all members of the community.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292675/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/09/ce-individuals of African descent-mental-health
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/individuals of African descent-men-mental-health-challenges-therapy/
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2017/How-to-Encourage-Someone-to-See-a-Therapist
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/byomm_factsheet02.pdf
https://www.smaller population grouphealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=24
https://www.apa.org/workforce/data-tools/demographics
