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Anxiety disorder is a stressful disorder that affects many young people today. It is especially having an impact amongst black youths. About 9% of young Black teens have experienced an episode of major depression in 2020, but only about 40% of these teens have received treatment. Their white counterparts, on the other hand, have sought treatment more often (46%) for their symptoms.
Black youths have endured a distinctive type of trauma ever since this pandemic began. And it’s no secret that they have experienced more discrimination, poverty, and illness than their white counterparts. With anxiety among Black youth continuing to be a major issue, let’s examine ways in which we can help improve their mental health and ensure their well-being.
Parental Encouragement Is Vital
Black youth fear mental health stigma more than white youths. There’s a lot of distrust in mental health care amongst the black community. So, they may feel that they don’t need any professional help to deal with their issues. Most people within the Black community tend to look down on mental health treatment and look to other areas for help such as religion.
While there’s nothing wrong with seeking spiritual help, refusing to give your child some mental health treatment that is necessary could be a bad thing. It might lead to negative consequences including emergency psychiatric hospitalizations. These young people may even grow up to become adults with some serious mental health issues. If you have a child who is dealing with serious problems with anxiety, encourage him or her to seek help immediately.Â
Finding a Mental Healthcare Provider Matters
Many Black youth struggle with finding a qualified mental healthcare provider they can trust. Above all, they need to find one that understands them and what they’re going through.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of health care disparities which have led to many people losing faith in the mental health system. For example, Black teens are less likely to receive the same high quality of mental health care as their white counterparts. Meanwhile, they’re more likely to be hospitalized involuntarily.
Also, the Black community often fear racism in therapy or medical treatment. Some white therapists have failed to understand Black patients, refusing to acknowledge the racial trauma they’ve gone through. Plus, it has been difficult for Black patients to find Black therapists who may better identify with what they’re going through. If you have a Black teen going through some serious anxiety problems, strive to find a quality therapist that both you and your child could trust.
Good Self-Care Is Always Beneficial
No matter how old you are, taking care of yourself is always important when dealing with anxiety. For today’s youth, a good diet, adequate amounts of sleep, and regular exercise benefit the mind and body:
- First, they can start by eating more green leafy veggies and fruits. For most young people, it could be tempting to go for sweets and potato chips. Keep in mind that these foods should only be eaten sparingly.Â
- Adequate amounts of sleep each night help strengthen the brain. After all, most people end up feeling more refreshed after a good night’s rest.
- Meanwhile, exercise is known for reducing anxiety and depression. It could also lead to better mood and cognitive function.
When you’re a Black youth, coping with anxiety in this racially tense world isn’t easy. However, it can be managed with help from others and a little initiative in helping yourself.
Community Series – Mental Health Book Club: What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
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