Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the black community is higher than in other racial communities, particularly white communities. The cause of this condition is chronic and at times debilitating. Although the community talks about this condition, it’s hindered by stigma, cultural attitudes, and minimal mental healthcare for black people.
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Data Behind PTSD in Black Communities
African Americans have a high PTSD prevalence with 8.7% compared to whites at 7.4%, Latinos (7%), and Asian (4%) populations. These levels of PTSD among black people are triggered by several factors.
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Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of PTSD in the Black Community
The black community is dealing with inherited trauma triggered during slavery. They have struggled with it since, and the pattern continues. These are the reasons for PTSD in the Black community.
- Exposure to racial discrimination, including violence, profiling, and segregation.
- Intergenerational trauma comes from historical events.
- Racial stereotypes, such as strong Black women that keep them struggling with PTSD.
- Inadequacy or lack of proper mental health care for the Black community
- Socioeconomic factors that undermine the Black community. For instance, the disparities in educational opportunities, homeownership, and wealth accumulation.
- Domestic violence. Black women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence compared to white women. 40% find themselves on the receiving end against their spouses and partners due to a lack of opportunities, systemic issues, cultural and religious factors, financial barriers, and racist policies.
- Differences in expressing emotions. Many people in the Black community are expected to handle life as it comes, and there’s little room to destress, leading to the buildup of pressure and stress.
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Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD presents itself in different forms, including:
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- Emotional disturbance leading to anger, irritability, being easily startled or hypervigilance.
- Insomnia. PTSD can lead to a lack of sleep because of stress.
- Avoidant behaviour leading to avoiding similar situations, like the traumatic event.
- Isolation. PTSD can lead to individuals detaching from other people.
- Withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed.
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Treatment of PTSD in the Black Community
Due to a lack of proper mental healthcare in the Black community, treatment is challenging. To address this, there needs to be counselling centres that understand the cultural complexities that can tackle specific experiences black people have. Furthermore, increasing access to resources, encouraging community support, and raising awareness about mental health in the community.
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