Depression and African American Men: Confronting the Spiritual of Oppression Empowerment

Description

Historically, African American men’s attitude toward mental health has been viewed as negative. Their reluctance to seek help has been based on their culture, stigmas, values, beliefs, and attitudes. African American males are less likely to seek and utilize mental health services. Their reluctance is associated with African American culture, perception, and attitudes towards mental health treatment. Besides, lack of treatment, African Americans are less likely to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. As a result of the lack of treatment, African Americans are more likely to have depression for a longer length of time leading to greater disabilities. the author developed a model of care for strategies for improving the treatment of African American men with depression and future research needs. The various treatments for depression are discussed to include traditional and conventional treatments. Culturally competent strategies for improving the treatment of African American men with depression are addressed.