Approaching Mental Health in Black America on American Wellness

4.8 million Black and African Americans in the United States are struggling with their mental health. Traumatized by a history of racism and demonization, as well as a present environment of police brutality and racial inequality, the pain seems endless and relentless. Unfortunately, within this vulnerable community, seeking mental health assistance is often stigmatized.

Professor and researcher, Dr. Olusola Ajilore explains why Black and African American populations are often reluctant to seek help from medical professionals, how Police Brutality is causing PTSD in those involved and who are only witnessing the violence, as well as how the answer to normalizing mental health aid in the community might be the diversification of the mental health industry itself.

Mental Health Stats

• Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with any mental illness (46.6 million in 2017 aged 18 or older. 18.9% of all U.S. adults.

• The prevalence of any mental illness was higher among women (22.3%) than men (15.1%).

• The prevalence of any mental illness was highest among adults reporting two or more races (28.6%), followed by White adults (20.4%).  The prevalence of any mental illness was lowest among Asian adults (14.5%).

• Young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of AMI (25.8%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (22.2%) and aged 50 and older (13.8%).

--- About American Wellness ---

Produced by WeXL Org, American Wellness dives headfirst into the uncomfortable conversations surrounding mental illness and why Americans feel the way they do. We examine our past, present, and future to find the solutions that could unite and heal us. Together we heal.