How to Help Black Youth Deal with Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is really a stressful disorder that affects many young adults today. It's especially having an impact amongst black youths. About 9% of young Black teens have observed a chapter of major depression in 2023, only about 40% of these teens have obtained treatment. Their white counterparts, on the other hand, have sought treatment more regularly (46%) for their symptoms.
Black youths have endured a unique kind of trauma since this pandemic began. And it's not a secret they have experienced more discrimination, poverty, and illness than their white counterparts. With anxiety among Black youth excess a significant issue, let’s examine ways that we can help to improve their mental health insurance and ensure their well-being.
Parental Encouragement Is Vital
Black youth fear mental health stigma more than white youths. There's a lot of distrust in mental healthcare amongst the black community. So, they may feel that they do not need any specialist to cope with their issues. Many people within the Black community have a tendency to look down on mental health treatment and look with other areas for help such as religion.
While there's nothing wrong with seeking spiritual help, refusing to give your son or daughter some mental health treatment that's necessary might be a very bad thing. It could lead to negative consequences including emergency psychiatric hospitalizations. These young adults might even grow up to become adults with some serious mental health problems. If you have a child who is dealing with serious issues with anxiety, encourage her or him to seek help immediately.
Finding a Mental Doctor Matters
Many Black youth have a problem with finding a qualified mental doctor they can trust. Above all, they have to find one that understands them and what they are going through.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of healthcare disparities which have led to many people losing faith in the mental health system. For instance, Black teens are less likely to receive the same top quality of mental healthcare as their white counterparts. Meanwhile, they’re more likely to be hospitalized involuntarily.
Also, the Black community often fear racism in therapy or medical treatment. Some white therapists failed to understand Black patients, refusing to acknowledge the racial trauma they've been through. Plus, it's been hard for Black patients to locate Black therapists who may better recognize what they're going through. For those who have a Black teen dealing with some serious anxiety problems, make an effort to look for a quality therapist that you and your child could trust.
Good Self-Care Is definitely Beneficial
No matter your actual age, taking proper care of yourself is definitely important when confronted with anxiety. For today’s youth, a respectable diet, adequate levels of sleep, and physical exercise benefit the mind and body:
- First, they are able to start by eating more green leafy veggies and fruits. For most young people, it may be tempting to go for sweets and potato chips. Remember that these food types must only be eaten sparingly.
- Adequate amounts of sleep each night help strengthen the brain. In the end, many people start to feel more refreshed after a sound night of sleep.
- Meanwhile, exercise is noted for reducing anxiety and depression. It might also lead to better mood and cognitive function.
When you are a Black youth, coping with anxiety in this racially tense world is difficult. However, it can be managed with the aid of others along with a little initiative in assisting yourself.