All ages and cultures are affected by the pervasive problem of mental illness in the modern world. The combination of race, gender, and mental health, nevertheless, presents special difficulties for young black women with mental illness. The purpose of this study’s paper is to educate readers on this population’s difficulties with unfairness and multiculturalism. The essay will give a brief historical background before looking at the causes of inequality and using pertinent theoretical frameworks. The paper will address this problem: How do the intersecting identities of being young, black, and female contribute to mental health disparities and injustices among this population? As a result of societal and cultural variables, young Black women with mental illness encounter a variety of difficulties that result in societal judgment, prejudice, and a lack of availability of treatment. The paper will offer perspectives on social work practice, policy, and research to meet this community’s particular needs and capabilities via a comprehensive analysis of the current condition of mental health for this demographic.
General Demographic Characteristics of Population
Young black women are defined as females between the ages of 18 and 35 who are considered Black or African American. It is a condition that can impact a person’s opinions, feelings, and conduct, causing great discomfort and functional limitations. When compared to young men or members of other ethnic or racial communities, young black women in this demographic have a greater risk of mental illness. Because of their intersectional identities, they also experience particular pressures like racism, misogyny, and discrimination in behavioral health institutions. The inequities and difficulties this community faces are further exacerbated by the absence of culturally appropriate and accessible mental health services.
Brief Historical Overview
Young black women’s mental illness has historically been viewed as inferior and overlooked, which has resulted in prejudice and restricted availability of care. Since mental illness was viewed as an error in judgment and a danger to white dominance throughout the era of slavery and colonialism, this can be linked back to those periods. The employing of mental health facilities to further disadvantage and oppress black populations as society developed resulted in mistrust and depletion of funding for mental health services. Additionally, systematic oppression through laws and institutions has made young black women more economically and socially disadvantaged, increasing their stress levels and susceptibility to mental illness. The intersectionality theory is applied to show how this population’s outcomes in terms of mental health are specifically impacted by racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression (Lans, 2022). This framework also emphasizes the importance of considering the intersections of identities when addressing mental health disparities and injustices.
Underrepresentation of Young Black Women
The underrepresentation of young Black women with mental illness in scientific studies is one particular injustice they must deal with. This restriction is important since research is necessary for comprehending and meeting the particular mental health requirements of this group of people. Research has revealed that young black women are underrepresented and underrepresented in mental health research, which limits our understanding of their requirements as well as their experiences (Kennedy & Jenkins, 2018). Because of the poor and inefficient solutions that result from this underrepresentation, there are still inequities and disparities in mental health for this community. Additionally, it impairs their capacity to advocate for and get culturally suitable care, limits their access to mental health education and advocacy chances, and diminishes their sense of integrity by fostering the idea that their experiences are invalid or unimportant.
Impact of Underrepresentation
Young black women with mental illnesses are underrepresented in research, which has a significant effect on individuals, households, and neighborhoods. It encourages a lack of information and awareness of each person’s unique mental health needs, leading to insufficient and poor treatment on an individual basis. In turn, this causes additional anxiety and makes it harder to perform daily tasks. Additionally, it perpetuates whatever stigma and prejudice they may experience as a result of their mental illness, negatively affecting their overall health even more. Additionally, It may have a negative impact on their family relations at the familial level. For family members who might not comprehend their loved one’s challenges, it could lead to a feeling of isolation and misunderstanding. Additionally, this may impede family bonds and communication, impairing the efficiency of the unit as a whole. The lack of representation in research also propagates a shortage of understanding and consciousness among the general public and mental healthcare professionals at the local level, resulting in a lack of resources and support for this demographic (Kennedy & Jenkins, 2018).
Implication of Social Work
Social workers have a crucial role in resolving the problems experienced by young black women with mental illness since their field of work is founded on the principles of equity and the standards of service, respect for human dignity, and professionalism. Social workers need to participate in continual instruction and certification on cultural competency and anti-oppressive practices in order to effectively address these concerns. They also have to advocate for modifications to legislation that deal with this population’s limitations on accessibility to medical treatment, discrimination, and racism. Additionally, social workers can partner with local groups and specialists in mental health to offer broad support for young Black women with mental illness that is culturally relevant.
By delivering individualized care that is culturally appropriate and accurate, social workers contribute to addressing the societal injustice that young Black women with mental illness experience. This involves working with patients to integrate their cultural origins into treatment programs and use evidence-based techniques that have been culturally tailored. Additionally, social workers can educate themselves about the particular needs and lived experiences of this demographic and actively endeavor to remove obstacles to care (Mehra et al., 2020).
Undoubtedly, further investigation is required on the experiences of young black women with mental illness and societal injustice. This community is not adequately represented in the study, and additional research is needed to fully comprehend the reasons behind and effects of the discrepancies in their mental health. In order to properly comprehend the diverse nature of these young black women’s experiences, subsequent studies must center the voices and experiences of these individuals as well as include intersectional approaches. Additional investigations are required to fully comprehend the systemic and cultural elements that have led to the social injustices and inequities in this population’s mental health, and this study can guide policies and treatments to alleviate those injustices.
Cultural Similarities and Differences
Similarities
Young Black women’s culture and Mexican culture are strikingly similar. Both strongly value tightly knit connections that offer solidarity and encouragement by placing a high value on the significance of family and community ties. Furthermore, both groups have endured periods of marginalization and prejudice, displaying resiliency and courage in times of difficulty. They place a great deal of importance on spirituality and religion, which they use as sources of direction, hope, and personality. In addition to building an awareness of solidarity and agreement between Mexican culture and the culture of young Black women, these common ideals and encounters also create ties across cultural backgrounds, adding to the colorful tapestry of our diverse world (Corbin et al., 2018).
Differences
There are significant differences between Mexican culture and the culture of young Black women. The main distinction is language: while young Black women’s culture speaks English predominately, Mexican culture speaks Spanish primarily. Different idioms, expressions, and cultural nuances are created as a result of these language variations. Rules and customs vary as well. While young Black women might approve of traditions like Juneteenth celebrations and unusual family rituals, Mexican culture has a rich tapestry of customs, including Dia de los Muertos and Quinceaneras (McNulty, 2021). While young Black women’s culture still carries the scars of slavery and racial injustice, Mexico has a colonial past. Their distinct personalities and tribulations have been molded by these varied instances in history, adding to the vibrant mosaic of human cultures that makes our world so unique.
Understanding African-American Culture
Social professionals must learn and practice cultural competency, trauma-informed treatment, and intersectional feminist theory in order to function productively with this group of individuals. This entails being cognizant of hidden prejudices and cultural stereotypes, comprehending the different circumstances and cultural elements that have a direct effect on the mental health of young black women, and offering compassionate and welcoming care that takes into account the overlapping aspects of their identities (Bleu, 2021). Additionally, social workers must actively strive to eradicate oppressive and discriminatory systems that are contributing to the gaps in mental health that exist in this community by advocating for laws and systems that advance social and racial justice.
My Attributes
My personal qualities of being open-minded, sympathetic, and nonjudgmental help me relate to others with different gender, racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These qualities allow me to view each person objectively and understand the particular difficulties and viewpoints they could be experiencing. I am able to create a solid therapeutic connection with my clients as a result, and we can work together to deal with their needs and aspirations. I would intentionally listen to those I work with who have distinct perspectives from me in order to gain insight into their viewpoints and experiences. I would also frequently reflect on my behavior and work to overcome any prejudices or biases I may have that influence how I engage with customers. In order to offer culturally aware and efficient approaches, I would additionally rely on my understanding of cultural proficiency and evidence-based solutions. Additionally, dealing with different groups requires fostering ties with the community and promoting laws that uphold human rights and promote inclusiveness.
Cultural Competencies
Strategies of Cultural Competence
The ability to recognize the particular requirements and hardships of young Black women with mental illness is essential for working with them effectively. Multicultural training, which offers education and understanding of various cultures, is one strategy that can help with this. Increased engagement with different communities can also aid in dispelling prejudices and preconceived notions, fostering inclusiveness, and making the community more hospitable for this demographic. The development of a more culturally appropriate environment can also benefit from regulations that place a high priority on diversity and inclusion (Fuentes et al., 2021). Utilizing evidence-based approaches and modifying them to meet the particular requirements of this demographic can be part of this. Social workers can encourage achievements and provide young Black women the tools they need to overcome obstacles by using culturally appropriate tactics.
Case-Management
When dealing with young black women who are mentally ill, it is crucial to employ culturally relevant therapies that have been shown to be successful in order to be culturally competent. A good example of this is case management, which is working with patients to create and carry out a thorough care plan that takes into account their particular needs and capabilities. This method aids clients in navigating the intricacies of the mental health system by taking into account the social context of their experiences and values. Social workers can better assist and empower young Black women with mental illness to attain their intended goals and enhance their overall health by applying culturally relevant approaches like case management.
Policies and Human Rights
Fostering cultural competency in the social work profession requires regulations that place a high priority on protecting young black women with mental illnesses and their fundamental human rights. Regulations and regulations aimed at addressing discriminatory and structural obstacles this community faces in obtaining mental health care may be included in these policies. For instance, legislation requiring mental health practitioners to complete training in cultural competency could enhance the standard of treatment provided to young Black women (Greene-Morton & Minkler, 2020). Regulations that support comprehensive and varied representation in academic and healthcare contexts can also help us to recognize the particular difficulties and assets of this demographic. We can work toward a more equal and inclusive mental health system for young Black women with mental illness by placing a higher priority on human rights and protection.
Theories and perspectives that are Cultural Appropriate
Intersectionality, critical race theory, and feminist theory are a few culturally suitable techniques, theories, viewpoints, and paradigms for young black women with mental illness. These offer a structure for comprehending how race, gender, and mental health intersect in various manners in the lived experiences of young black women (Rice et al., 2019). They also recognize how systemic and cultural issues contribute to the inequities and inequality in mental health. Strengths-based and trauma-informed treatments, as well as integrating cultural customs and traditions into therapy, are additional techniques that may be culturally relevant. In order to effectively assist and care for the mental health of young black women, it is crucial to acknowledge their distinctive cultural backgrounds and beliefs and to do so in a culturally competent manner.
Skills of a Social Worker
Working with young Black women with mental illness requires social workers and other workers in human services to be culturally competent. People must have the capacities for self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of others’ cultures in order to interact with this demographic successfully. Self-aware people may identify their prejudices and privileges, which allows them to speak about their work with honesty and understanding. Recognizing how culture affects a person’s beliefs and values will help you provide care that is more sensitive to their cultural needs. Respecting each of the viewpoints of the young black women while proactively interacting with them and learning from their experiences and identities requires awareness of culture. Additionally, social workers need to be adept at active listening, empathy, and cultural humility so they can offer solutions that are both culturally acceptable and motivating (Jacobs et al., 2021). For successful interactions with this community, further educational and training opportunities in cultural competence, mental health, and intersectionality are also essential.
In conclusion, the intersections between race, gender, and mental health have been highlighted in this study’s work, which has presented an in-depth analysis of the difficulties young black women with mental illness confront. It became clear from historical research and the use of philosophical theories that institutional and cultural factors play a part in the stigma, discrimination, and restricted access to care for this community. Social service providers and other human services professionals need to be culturally competent and have the right skills to work successfully with this demographic. Young Black Women with Mental Illness can receive culturally pertinent and motivating solutions through listening actively, empathizing, and a sense of cultural humility. To deal with the societal injustices and disadvantages that these demographic experiences, as well as to promote their well-being and dignity, further investigation and work are required.
References
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Lans, A. M. (2022). Investigating Black women’s mental health in Progressive Era New York City: a bioarchaeological study of slow violence and landscapes of impunity. Historical Archaeology, 56(4), 663–680.
McNulty, D. C. (2021). Amparo is a reflection of Mexico’s evolving society and judicial system. International Journal of Legal Information, 49(3), 149-161.
Mehra, R., Boyd, L. M., Magriples, U., Kershaw, T. S., Ickovics, J. R., & Keene, D. E. (2020). Black pregnant women “get the most judgment”: A qualitative study of the experiences of Black women at the intersection of race, gender, and pregnancy. Women’s Health Issues, 30(6), 484–492.
Rice, C., Harrison, E., & Friedman, M. (2019). Doing justice to intersectionality in research. Cultural Studies↔ Critical Methodologies, 19(6), 409–420.
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