Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to recent studies, it is estimated that over 300 million people suffer from depression globally. According to a report by World Economic Forum, an estimated 100 million people in Africa suffer from clinical depression, with women being the most affected group. However, African communities may have unique views on depression, affecting their ability to recognise and seek help.
Depression among Africans is a growing concern. Serious mental illness (SMI) rose among people of all ages, Black and African American, between 2008 and 2018. Despite rates being less than the overall U.S. population, major depressive episodes increased from 9 per cent to 10.3 per cent in Black and African American youth ages 12-17, 6.1 per cent to 9.4 per cent in young adults 18-25, and 5.7 per cent in adults.
A study conducted in the 1990s found that 63% of African Americans believed depression was a personal weakness, and only 31% believed it was a health problem. This suggests that there may be a cultural perception that mental illness is associated with shame and embarrassment. Additionally, other studies have found that the Black community is more inclined to say that mental illness is associated with stigma. These views can prevent people from seeking help, leading to untreated depression and other negative consequences.
It is crucial to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing. It is a medical condition that a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can trigger. In African communities, however, there is often a belief that depression is caused by personal weakness or a lack of faith.
This belief prevents individuals from seeking treatment for depression, as they may feel ashamed or stigmatised. However, it is essential to recognise that depression is a treatable condition and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
In African cultures, depression is often seen as a result of a lack of social support or stress from life events such as bereavement, unemployment, or financial difficulties. Additionally, cultural or religious beliefs can contribute to depression, such as the stigma around mental health disorders or the expectation always to be strong and resilient.
Black people face different social pressures that may increase their risk of depression. Although the prevalence of depression is similar between Black and white communities, suicide rates are higher in Black people. This disparity could be attributed to racism, social isolation, and other social determinants of health.
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with a depressed mood. It can become chronic or recurrent, leading to substantial impairment in an individual’s functioning ability. At this level, it is identified as major depressive disorder (MDD).
Depression symptoms may manifest differently in the Black community. Common signs include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function daily, affecting their work, relationships, and overall well-being.
One of the significant challenges in addressing depression in Africa is the lack of mental health services. The Lancet Global Health article “Mental health in Africa” notes that, regarding the weakness of the continent’s mental health services, “there are 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, compared with a global average of nine per 100,000.
In addition to the lack of mental health services, a stigma is attached to mental illness in African communities. Many Africans believe that mental illness is a sign of weakness or a spiritual problem that requires a traditional healer. This belief can lead to a lack of understanding of depression and awareness of available treatments. Furthermore, many Africans may not seek help due to the fear of being ostracised or discriminated against.
However, efforts are being made to address depression in Africa. Some African countries have recognised the importance of addressing mental health issues and have taken steps to improve mental health services. In Nigeria, for example, the Federal Ministry of Health launched a mental health policy in 2013 to improve mental health services and address the stigma attached to mental illness. Similarly, South Africa has launched a national mental health policy to improve access to mental health services and address stigma.
Treatment options for depression in African communities can include a combination of medication and therapy. However, there may be a reluctance to seek professional help due to cultural or religious beliefs. In some cases, traditional healers may be consulted instead of medical professionals.
African mental health services are often inadequate, with a severe shortage of mental health workers and limited access to treatment facilities. This lack of resources can exacerbate the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and make it even more challenging for individuals to seek help.
In conclusion, depression is a significant mental health concern that affects individuals of all backgrounds, including African communities. Despite the prevalence of depression, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health disorders in many cultures, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. It is crucial to recognise that depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Treatment options can include a combination of medication and therapy, but there may be cultural or religious beliefs that can affect access to mental health services. It is essential to address the disparities in mental health care and improve access to treatment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
References:
- “Serious mental illness (SMI) rose among all ages of Black and African American people between 2008 and 2018. Despite rates being less than the overall U.S. population, major depressive episodes increased from 9 percent-10.3 per cent in Black and African American youth ages 12-17, 6.1 per cent to 9.4 per cent in young adults 18-25, and 5.7 per cent…” URL: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health
- “Black people face different social pressures that may increase their risk of depression. Although the prevalence of depression is similar between Black and white communities, suicide rates have…” URL: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/black-depression
- “10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30380-1 Abstract Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with a depressed mood. It can become chronic or recurrent, leading to substantial impairment in an individual’s ability to function. At this level, it is identified as major depressive disorder (MDD).” URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21999029/
- “loss of interest in activities. Overall feelings of hopelessness. Changes in sleep or appetite. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Still, in the Black community, depression symptoms may manifest in …” URL: https://psychcentral.com/health/depression-in-the-black-community
- “The Lancet Global Health article ” Mental health in Africa ” notes that, regarding the weakness of the continent’s mental health services, “there are 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, compared with a global average of nine per 100,000.” URL: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/08/4-facts-mental-health-africa/
- “For example, only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men ages 18 to 44 who experienced daily feelings of anxiety or depression were likely to have used mental health services, compared with 45.4% of non-Hispanic White men with the same feelings ( NCHS Data Brief No. 206, 2015).” URL: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/09/ce-black-mental-health
