Decades of research shows individuals from racially and ethnically diverse groups are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to their white counterparts.
In a 2016 research review I led, published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reviews, we discussed how multiple factors contribute to decisions regarding seeking treatment, including mental health stigma, access to providers in a person’s community, culturally and linguistically appropriate care, and affordability of treatment. For each ethnic or racial group, within group differences exist that may explain why some people are less likely to receive care. While stigma may be a significant barrier for some, the thought of spending money on therapy as opposed to buying food for the family may deter others from seeking treatment.
Given disparities in treatment, individuals from racial and ethnic groups are at higher risk for a number of health and mental health concerns, such as cardiovascular issues, difficulties managing chronic health conditions and more severe psychiatric diagnoses.
[Read: What Parents Should Know About Teen Depression.]
One frequent psychiatric issue that has been in the media more recently is depression and its link to suicide among youth. Suicide is one of the leading treatable causes of death in the United States. Recently released data published in JAMA Pediatrics show the rates of suicide are increasing among black youth. The authors found that black youth were about two times more likely to die from suicide than white children of the same age, though the researchers noted that they “were unable to identify the cause for the increasing rates across ethnic groups.”
In an effort to reduce poor mental health and risk of suicidal behaviors, more work needs to be done to develop initiatives to increase access to mental health treatment for racially and ethnically diverse groups. This is especially important today, given the state of race relations in America, as many groups continue to face racial discrimination, which also negatively impacts mental health functioning.
[Read: Parents Talk About Race in Different Ways.]
Below are some things to consider in determining if it’s appropriate to seek professional treatment to address mental health concerns:
Does your child’s personality seem different? Many individuals experience personality changes when they become distressed or have difficulties coping with life’s challenges. This might involve being more nervous, angry, sad or moody. If you notice that your child behaves in a way that significantly differs from how the child usually acts, it may be necessary to reach out to a mental health professional.
Does your child always want to be alone? It is not atypical for children or adolescents to become consumed with television, video games or smartphones. However, if you notice that your child begins to completely withdraw from friends or the family, it may be a red flag. This may be a particularly serious concern if the child has been very socially engaged or liked to engage in activities with others.
Is your child becoming irresponsible or engaging in risky behaviors? Kids — like adults — make mistakes, and some risk-taking is part of growing up. However, if you notice that your child’s grades are significantly declining, or that he or she is starting to use substances such as drugs or alcohol or begins engaging in self-harm behaviors, or self-injury like cutting, you should monitor the child closely and consider intervention.
[See: 4 Opioid Drugs Parents Should Have on Their Radar.]
Has your child expressed being hopeless or suicidal? We all experience ups and downs in life, but we can usually recover quickly by engaging in pleasurable activities or spending time with friends or family. However, some youth become so overwhelmed with life that they don’t think things will ever get better. If you notice extreme changes in your child, such as that he or she is being overly negative, expressing not wanting to live or feeling worthless, it’s important to seek out professional help. In situations when suicide is a concern, it may require visiting the emergency room or accessing other resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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Strategies for Identifying When Your Child May Need Therapy originally appeared on usnews.com
