African Americans and Depression: Signs, Awareness, Treatments, and Interventions

Depression does not discriminate, and yet the ways in which people and communities view and react to depression differ. The unique experiences of African Americans are often taken into account when examining other topics of interest, but mental health in general is often overlooked. African Americans and Depression helps to uncover the realities of depression among African Americans, and the various ways in which sufferers and their families address, or don't address, it. The authors provide guidance for understanding the illness, suggestions on how to heal and recover holistically, and pathways for getting help. With a primary focus on the psychological and medical needs of African Americans, the authors explore and offer an overview of clinical depression among African Americans, discuss the signs of and cultural myths surrounding clinical depression, outline the mental health help-seeking process for African Americans, and suggest potential barriers and strategies for healing. Further, they discuss community-based interventions and innovations in service programs. Lastly, the authors offer insight on mental health and health policy in the United States care systems. Including firsthand accounts from sufferers and families, this work will aid readers to better understand depression and how and where to find help.

Julia F. Hastings, MSW, PhD, is assistant professor in the Schools of Public Health and Social Welfare at the University at Albany, SUNY. Her research focuses on the interrelationships between race, mental health outcomes, health conditions, risk and protective factors, and poverty. Hastings has published on culturally competent research methods within African American communities, welfare participation, depression, and body weight. She is a nationally recognized researcher and leads two research projects on diabetes and depression service utilization among African Americans. Lani V. Jones, MSW, PhD, is an associate professor at the University at Albany, SUNY in the School of Social Welfare. Jones’s research has focused on the use of group work in enhancing psychosocial competence among Black women. She is the author and co-author of several articles and book chapters, including Culturally responsive group work with black women (2011) and A group experimental investigation of psychosocial competence among black college women (2009). She is also leading two research projects on Health and mental health outcomes among Black women. Jones is a nationally recognized speaker on mental health practice interventions and has served on numerous national, state and local health, human, and social service boards towards the advancement of social justice for Black women and their families. Pamela P. Martin, PhD, is the associate dean in the College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology and pofessor in the Department of Psychology at Prairie View A&M University. She served as the Department of Psychology at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Before working at NCCU, she was a tenured associate professor at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Dr. Martin was the first African American female tenured in the Department of Psychology at NCSU in 2009. For her outreach efforts in the Raleigh-Durham areas in 2008, Dr. Martin was inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension and Engagement at NCSU.