Understanding African American Female Mental Health-handout: slides

handout: slides

Pdf Summary

This document is a presentation titled "Understanding African American Female Mental Health: Statistics & Treatment Considerations for Providers" by Lauren Carson. The presentation provides insights into the mental health of African American women and girls, highlighting statistics, stress factors, effective strategies and interventions, cultural and gender considerations, treatment alternatives, and available resources. <br /><br />The statistics section emphasizes that black women are more likely to experience childhood maltreatment, domestic violence, and PTSD symptoms following trauma exposure. However, they do not seek treatment for PTSD at the same rates as their white counterparts. Black women also face higher rates of sexual assault and are less likely to report it compared to other groups. The statistics pertaining to black girls highlight their disproportionate rates of suicide completion, suicidal ideations, trauma, and depression.<br /><br />The document also details various stress factors affecting the mental health of black women and girls, including cultural stigma, racial trauma, work and academic pressures, media representations, and adverse interactions with healthcare professionals. It further explains effective strategies and interventions such as incorporating critical race theory principles, narrative storytelling, and faith and community involvement as protective factors.<br /><br />Cultural and gender considerations are explored in terms of creating safe and culturally sensitive environments, understanding barriers to mental health services, and paying attention to historical factors impacting mental health in the African American community. Treatment alternatives, including narrative storytelling, family-centric and faith-based counseling, and holistic approaches, are also discussed.<br /><br />The presentation concludes with a list of resources available for black women and girls, as well as for providers working with them. Personal "mental health" nuggets are shared, highlighting the close link between race, gender, and mental health, as well as the importance of vulnerability and self-care.<br /><br />Overall, this presentation aims to enhance understanding of African American female mental health and provide guidance for providers working with this population.

Keywords

African American female mental health

statistics

treatment considerations

stress factors

interventions

cultural and gender considerations

barriers to mental health services

narrative storytelling

treatment alternatives

resources