"Rooted in Resistance: Supporting the Mental Health of Black Youth Through History and Healing"
Before we discuss the topic of mental health for black youth, it is essential to review the historical context in which the importance of mental health was first recognized.
There is evidence to suggest that mental health conditions were acknowledged and addressed in ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and India. In the Middle Ages, mental disorders were frequently attributed to supernatural causes, such as possession or witchcraft. Nevertheless, a few physicians and scholars began to formulate more scientific perspectives on mental health. The establishment of asylums in the 18th century marked the emergence of psychiatry as a distinct medical discipline. Advancements in diagnosis and treatment methods were implemented during the 19th century. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) was established in 1949, marking a significant milestone in the increased recognition of mental health in the 20th century.
Mental health is now recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being. The prevalence of mental health stress and disorder is on the rise, and there is a growing emphasis on advocacy, treatment, and prevention.
The mental health crisis among the Black youth demographic is becoming increasingly urgent due to the alarming increase in suicide rates among Black adolescents in the United States. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black adolescents aged 10 to 17 increased by 144%. In 2022, suicide was the third most prevalent cause of mortality among Black or African American individuals aged 10 to 24. These statistics highlight the pressing need for targeted mental health interventions in Black communities. In the past two weeks, one-third of rural Black men reported experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of death, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Georgia. A significant portion of the culpability may be attributed to childhood adversity and racism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second most common cause of mortality among African Americans aged 15 to 24. Black males experience suicide at a rate that is more than four times higher than that of Black women.
Community-based interventions should address the underlying clinical and social issues that can contribute to youth mental health crises, such as financial stress, incarceration, housing insecurity, and serious illness. The criminalization that is frequently observed in law enforcement-only responses can be mitigated through a collaborative, multi-tiered response that involves mental health, social services, and law enforcement. The necessity of enhancing family functioning and communication is underscored by research, which emphasizes the significance of family involvement in improving the mental health outcomes of Black youth. Furthermore, the implementation of awareness and sensitivity training to address provider stigma can facilitate the development of more inclusive and supportive care environments that encourage young black adolescents to seek mental health support when necessary. These strategies will contribute to their mental well-being.
Lastly, it is essential to foster cultural awareness and competence in the implementation of processes that will assist in the improvement of the mental health of young black children. The importance of mental health should be discussed in predominantly black institutions, families, and communities without shame or stigma, and the availability of Black mental health professionals should be made more aware. Additional research is needed to enhance solutions designed to improve mental health. To provide real-world evidence for the proposed interventions, it is essential to implement a well-structured evaluation to monitor the development of these strategies.
Author Bio: I'm Augustine Okoye, a Georgia State University dual MBA/MHA candidate with a background in nursing and operations. I'm excited to work as an intern with Restore More this summer, contributing to the creation of cutting-edge, technologically advanced solutions that promote restorative practices and social-emotional development. It is fulfilling and inspiring to support culturally appropriate tactics that encourage resilience and self-identity.
Sources
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/mental-health/about/origins-of-mental-health
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrican-americans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330370/