Mental Health Disparities

Why we center the Black community:

At Sankofa Healing Studio, we recognize the importance of addressing mental health disparities in marginalized communities. Below are some key insights that shed light on the challenges faced by different racial and ethnic groups.

Did you know that Black children are about 14% less likely than White youth to receive treatment for their depression?

This disparity highlights the need for improved access to mental health services for these communities.

It's alarming to learn that approximately 50% to 75% of youth in the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for a mental health disorder.

This underscores the urgent need for early intervention and appropriate mental health support within the justice system.

Studies have shown that over 25% of Black youth exposed to violence are at high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and support services for this vulnerable population.

When it comes to substance use, research indicates that approximately 10% of White and Hispanic adolescents engage in alcohol use, compared to 7.3% for Black adolescents and 4.7% for Asian adolescents.

These disparities highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies.

Disturbingly, a study conducted in 2018 found that the suicide rate among Black children aged 5 to 12 was nearly twice that of White children in the same age group.

This emphasizes the urgent need for targeted suicide prevention efforts for Black youth. (Source: Suicidality among Black Youth)

It's concerning to note that suicide was the second leading cause of death for Black Americans aged 15 to 24 in 2019.

We must prioritize mental health support and resources for these communities.

(Source: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide)

Self-reported suicide attempts among Black adolescents have risen nearly 80% from 1991 to 2019, while the prevalence of attempts remained relatively stable among other racial and ethnic groups.

This emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health services and early intervention for at-risk youth.

(Source: Temporal Trends in Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Among US Adolescents by Sex and Race/Ethnicity)

Adolescents of color who identify as LGBTQ may face particular risk factors for suicide attempts.

It's crucial to provide inclusive and affirming support systems to address the unique mental health needs of this population. (Source: Temporal Trends in Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Among US Adolescents by Sex and Race/Ethnicity)

Mental Health Disparities

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