Our emotional health affects how we feel, think, and deal with challenges and problems. Recent and ongoing events have caused unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety (citation) which can lead to feeling sad, hopeless, unimportant, and unable to cope with daily activities and stresses. This may be depression. Depression is a big health risk among African Americans/Black people:
- African American/Black adults are more likely to report serious psychological distress than adult whites.
- Depression is less acknowledged in African American/Black communities.
- Many African American/Black persons who experience depression are worried about what others might think of them.
- Many African Americans/Black persons do not seek professional help for depression when they need it.
A screening can tell you if you or a loved one are at risk for depression and anxiety and is the first step to getting help and feeling better.
Get checked each year for depression and anxiety (Reference: US Preventive Services Task Force). Talk to your doctor or complete this quick screening for depression- and anxiety-risk (citation). It can tell if you are at risk for depression and anxiety and is the first step to getting help and feeling better. While this screener is used to assess your risk for depression or anxiety, it does not diagnose either condition.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
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PHQ-4 total score ranges from 0 to 12, with categories of psychological distress being:
0-2
None
3-5
Mild
6-8
Moderate
9-12
Severe
It can be hard to find social services to help with your physical and emotional health. TakeAction is a social care network that connects people and programs – making it easy for you to find the social services you need in your community.
Here are some other resources:
- National Medical Association (NMA) Physician Locator. The NMA represents African American/Black doctors and can help you find an African American/Black doctor in your area.
- NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness: Call 800-950-6264 or visit NAMI online for support groups and information.
- Ourselves Black. This online community seeks to empower the Black community by promoting mental health and well-being. Find information about mental health issues, view articles and videos, join a conversation or read about others’ experiences in this forum. Find resources for you, your family, and members of your community.
- County mental health department or a department of behavioral health: These organizations provide services and referrals to people of all ages to support their emotional health. Find programs in your county.
- Check with your health plan for referrals to licensed counselors as needed.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are often offered by large employers. This program provides access to many services including in-person counseling sessions. Check with Human Resources at your work to learn more.
- There are online support groups for people with depression and other emotional disorders. Visit www.dbsalliance.org and search “support groups” for options in your area.
- Mental Health America: This organization offers mental health support and recovery.
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