In a study conducted by Mental Health America of Colorado found that African Americans are least likely to seek treatment for depression. Although the study’s focus primarily deals with depression, I found that it is likely true for a broad range of mental illnesses. These statistics reflect the beliefs that are dominant in the African American culture:

* 63% of African Americans surveyed believed that depression [mental illnesses] are a personal weakness, compared to the overall survey average of 54%.

* Only 31% of African Americans said they believed depression [mental illness] was a health problem.

* Almost two-thirds of respondents said they believe prayer and faith alone will successfully treat depression [mental illness (es)] “almost all of the time” or “some of the time.”

As a child, there had been rumors about the mother of one of my friends who was also diagnosed with a mental illness and whose pastor had performed an exorcism to rid her of the voices. I cannot verify whether this is true or not because no one who is around to talk wants to remember or, they want to forgot.

Religion is a vital component in the African American community because it has helped us survive slavery, become proponents using biblical text for the abolishment of slavery, and was integral to the Civil Rights Movement. On a personal level, it enables many individuals to survive the harshness of etching a living, personal and situational strife, and as a safe harbor.

          My mother considered herself a Christian who not only believes in being reborn but who has also made claims of meeting Christ during her psychosis. She has always held firm to the bible even though she cannot concentrate on its content. Faith can be an important component in dealing with a mental illness for the individual diagnosed and the family however, it is important not to dismiss mental health care as something less important than the care given to the physical body.