African American Stigma

I argue that PRIOR to the  Economic OR medical treatment barrier.  African American Stigma strongly contributes to the fact of why many African American children are under diagnosed.

"When it comes to MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, African Americans tend to rely on religious figures, friends or family for emotional support instead of turning to health care professionals-in fact, mental illness is often stigmatized and misunderstood in the black community." This statement supports what I attempted to say in class. As a Black woman, in reference to my cultural experience and observation. Black people tend to be less accepting of the diagnosis of ADHD or any mental health disorder for that matter. We deny it or we attempt to fix it within the means of religious ideologies and family. 


I found it interesting that the Inside ADHD Organization (www.insideADHD.Org) acknowledged that assessment tools used for ADHD maybe an issue. "Some researchers believe these tools may not be accurate for PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS." The tools present issues such as not allowing a child to speak in their native language. The questions asked may not be CULTURALLY SENSITIVE. Additionally, RACE and ETHNICITY may affect how an adult rates a child's behavior. This statement supports the opinion that different cultures have different expectations of students. BECAUSE we have different perspectives and backgrounds this should be considered when taking a teachers word on a students behavior. 


"In some African American families the stigma surrounding visiting a mental health professional is worse for the parents than the parents accepting the symptoms of ADHD." Why is the stigma so strong? What caused it? I believe the history of slavery, and having to overcome and persevere through many obstacles creates a pride of not wanting to present any type of weakness in any form. I believe African Americans still lack trust in health care system, and would rather seek help from their community church, friends and family.


"Research has found that some African American parents have greater biases toward the mental health field than white parents that PREVENT the child from using MEDICATION even if the child WOULD BENEFIT from it." Read more information on this at www.examiner.com 


What parent wouldn't want to help their child to the best of their ability? Sammy stated in class, its a never ending process of pills; The Meds are NOT A CURE. I think some African American parents realize that as well, and use other options.


I believe the youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVV_ZhpK9aM) titled Parenting & Discipline : How to Discipline an ADHD Child does a great job of providing alternative perspectives.