Black History Month Series: Mental Health Issues, Taboo in Black America?

Off the Record with Georgette Pierre

Mental health issues in the black community are often times ignored and seen as taboo. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration (SAMHSA), "in 2008, six percent of African Americans aged 18-25 had a mental health illness in the past year." Most of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to various reasons including "mistrust of health professionals, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic differences (via Mental Health America [MHA])." My guests join me to discuss ways of recognizing "the signs", breaking down the stigma of mental illness, and access to care including holistic alternatives. Listen all February as I continue to celebrate Black History Month bringing awareness to issues in the black community as well as spotlighting men/women of color in the arts, media, and entertainment industries to name a few.