Depression in the African American Community: Older Adults

Mental health is a result of an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Depression is classified as a mental disorder that also impacts physical health.

Characterized by sadness and a loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys, people have the misconception that depression is a normal part of aging. Truthfully, it isn’t and is frequently misdiagnosed among adults. With a variety of factors such as socioeconomic status, health disparity, brain chemistry, and family history of mental health problems, a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms is seen in African American men than in older white men.

Myths surrounding Depression and its treatment

Several myths surround depression, which becomes a barrier to treatment. Some are-

• Therapy is only for mentally unstable people.
• Therapists would judge me.
• Only weak-minded people need treatment.
• No one can understand the issues I have.
• Therapy and talking to close ones are the same.
• I don’t have any mental issues; if I did, I would know.
• I tried therapy, but it didn’t work.

Factors Contributing to Older African Americans’ Depression

Ethnicity and gender, lower annual income, and poverty status are recognized as key risk factors. The inner cities of America, such as South Side Chicago, North Philadelphia, South Central Los Angeles, Baltimore, Detroit, and many others, are plagued by risk factors that increase the chances of depression and mental health disorders. These inner cities are heavily populated by black and brown people, hinting that people of color have a higher likelihood of psychological disorders. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African-Americans are more likely to develop mental health issues than the general population.

Several factors contribute to the higher prevalence of depression among African American older adults:

1. Lack of Awareness: One of the common reasons for the high rate of mental illness among African Americans is the lack of awareness of the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available. They usually rely on family and friends to share their trauma. But truthfully, they are not professionals and thus not equipped to deal with such complex mental health issues.
2. Poverty: Economic disparities, including poverty and financial difficulties, have a negative impact on mental health and are potential contributors to depression in older African-Americans. Research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that socioeconomic factors such as economic situation, lack of home ownership, and non-work status can contribute to chronic stress, which increases the risk of depression.
3. Cultural Factors: Cultural factors, such as the strong value placed on self-reliance and stoicism, may discourage African American older adults from seeking help for mental health issues. Lack of understanding is often preceded by a lack of compassion, which results in developing feelings of shame for admitting depression in older African Americans.
4. Historical and Societal Factors: Experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic inequalities can have a profound impact on mental health. African American older adults may carry the psychological burden of past traumas and face ongoing stressors related to racism and social injustice.

Addressing Depression in African American older adults

50% of adults over 65 need mental health treatment, but only 20% receive it. Untreated depression can double the risk of cardiac diseases, increase the risk of death, and reduce the ability to recover from several diseases.

Addressing depression in the African American older adult population requires a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach. It is crucial to-

1. Increase Awareness and Education: Promote mental health literacy within the African American community by addressing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues and providing information about available resources.
2. Improve Access to Mental Health Services: Increase the availability of affordable and accessible mental health services in underserved communities. This includes expanding mental health clinics, improving insurance coverage for mental health treatment, and providing transportation options.
3. Cultural Coping Strategies: Keeping oneself busy, staying active in the community, praying, engaging in cooking and cleaning activities, and pushing through the depression are some of the coping strategies.
4. Training of healthcare staff: Healthcare professionals should be provided with depression and care processes, especially concerning African Americans. Clinicians should have the knowledge to select the appropriate management approach.
5. Collaboration with Primary Care: Enhance collaboration between mental health providers and primary care physicians to integrate mental health screenings and interventions into routine healthcare for older adults.

Conclusion

Depression among African American older adults is a serious issue that is often neglected. If left untreated, it can result in more serious health issues. By addressing mental health factors and implementing strategies that are culturally appropriate and inclusive, it is possible to improve mental health outcomes and reduce the burden of depression among African American older adults.

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