Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving From Denial to Acceptance

Book excerpt: Mental health among African Americans historically has been kept secret, and often has been subject to intense denial from both the individuals with mental health concerns and their communities. Thus, African Americans have remained shielded from treatments that are currently available, which may allow them to become mentally healthier and find a sense of psychological homeostasis. Recognizing mental illness treatment as a strength and not a weakness is key to mitigating existing issues of mental health in the African American community today. Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving From Denial to Acceptance provides the history of mental health in the African American community and how denial has hindered and hampered treatment within this community. Covering topics such as bipolar disorder, dementia, and disruptive behavior, this book is ideal for educators, researchers, practitioners, the African American spiritual community, and all individuals concerned about psychological care for African Americans.