Depression among Black Adolescent

Depression among Black Adolescent

            Adolescent depression is a critical public concern in many nations. In the USA, the issue is of more significant concern that affects black adolescents. If the problem is not well handled, depression can disproportionately contribute to an escalation of different mental disorders, academic failures, and other related issues like suicidal cases. The recent study that was led by Rutgers University indicates that black adolescents, usually show depressive symptoms in a different way than individuals of another age and racial groups(“Depression in black adolescents, 2020”).  The claim thus requires technicians to take into consideration the issue and develop appropriate treatment plans.  The paper, therefore, shows how black adolescences are impacted by depression and provide initiatives required to control the situation among the affected race.

According to the survey carried by the Journal of Epidemiology, the rate of anxiety, depression and behavior disorders among black children has increased over several decades,with black Americans topping the list(“Depression in black adolescents, 2020”). Also, it is evidence that black adolescent who lives in communities that are disadvantaged like of poverty are more likely to encounter higher levels of elevated levels of violence, substance abuse and other factors that lead to depression. The wanting environment combined with other social risk factors that lack enough social-support networks make black adolescence to be at higher risks of depression.  Additionally, teens who have previously been diagnosed with depression have six times the rate of committing suicide due to depression compared to their peers.  Studies from psychiatric disorders state that black Americans usually experience higher rates of social adversity combined with stressors. Also, some significant causes of depression on black teens like experienced sexual abuse, academic failures, long term bullying, and racial discrimination are experienced by black adolescence.

The solution to Depression among Black Youths

Although treatment can be used as a final measure to combat the issue of depression among black teens, strategic approaches with early interventions can significantly help in combating the issues before it reaches the suicidal level. Some of the initiatives to curb the problem among black teens include; Psychotherapy the approach involves talking with mental health professionals. Additionally, parents need to support their children by talking to them regularly to enable easy identification of any abnormal issue since it will help to find appropriate treatment measures while the levels are still low. Besides, parents are required to help their children to stop the consumption of drugs and other substances by educating and assist them on how to stop the consumptions. Structuring time is another initiative that parents will have to induce to their kids. Keeping adolescents active and well scheduled will help them to forget other factors like violence and discrimination that they may face when with other peers in schools..

Furthermore, patents have to ensure that children are well adapted to healthy habits.  Through regular exercise, a reduction in depression can be achieved. Also, proper and timely feeding habits are recommended. Getting enough sleep will again aid in relaxing the mind of affected children. Other behaviors like substance abuse can also be managed through engaging affected teens on religious activities. Through religions, good morals and guidance will be impacted to support depressed teens. The government and well-wishers should also take the initiative to support the affected population by providing a suitable environment and other social-economic support.

In summary, depression among black teens has increased in society. The increase is caused by factors like; poverty, drugs and lack of social-economic support. Black teens have shown a rise in the levels of depression with other leading to suicide. Parents should take immediate action by engaging their children in productive activities. The government should also support the affected individuals with the provision of basic needs and medication.

Reference

Depression in black adolescents requires different treatment: Rutgers University-Camden scholar studies how black teens express depression. (2020). Retrieved 5 March 2020, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180108090232.htm