“We Pride Ourselves on Being Strong…and Able to Bear a lot”: Examining the Socio-Cultural and Historical Context of Black Americans’ Experiences with Depression and Help-Seeking

Authors

  • Rosalyn Denise Campbell University of Georgia School of Social Work

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/21235

Keywords:

Depression, Black Americans, experiences, culture, help-seeking

Abstract

Research consistently shows that Black Americans’ symptoms of depression are more severe and persistent than their white counterparts yet they seek out and/or use services at a far lower rate. While trying to understand this disparity, it is important that researchers explore the socio-cultural and historical context around Black Americans’ experiences with depression and help-seeking. This study involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 Black American men and women, aged 21-57, who experienced depression. A thematic analysis revealed that Black Americans’ experiences are often rooted in a socio-cultural and historical context where Black people are seen as a strong people, able to deal with anything, and do not get depressed. These findings suggest that Black Americans may go through a process of reconciling being depressed with certain aspects of their cultural identity as they strive to better understand themselves, their illness, and options to help alleviate their symptoms. Researchers and practitioners alike should pay more attention to this complex process as they attempt to understand the illness experiences and help-seeking behaviors of Black Americans.

Author Biography

Rosalyn Denise Campbell, University of Georgia School of Social Work

I am an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia.  My research interests can be described broadly as the study of African American mental health, illness, and wellness.  I am also interested in research that seeks to destigmatize mental illness as well as amplify the voices of those that live with mental illness.  I would define myself as a qualitative methodologist, but I also conduct mixed methods research.  I teach courses in Assessment & Psychopathology, Advanced Practice with Individuals, Advancing Practice with Groups, and Clinical Practice with African Americans.  I also maintain social work licenses (LMSW) in Texas and Georgia.

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Published

2017-12-17

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