Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a complete indifference to life. A person in such a state experiences painful emotions, states of anxiety, and utter loneliness. Many people underestimate the severity of depression and even laugh at those diagnosed with this terrible diagnosis. Numerous people are susceptible to depression regardless of gender, religion, or race; the disorder remains cruel to anyone. Although some believe that this disease is unlikely to affect people of color, this opinion is biased due to stereotypes about race.
Nikki Webber Allen, an Emmy winner, filmmaker, and talent executive, revealed her own story of fighting against depression. Her talk is unique in how she addresses the issue by drawing examples from her personal life. Specifically, Allen talked about her nephew Paul who ended his life in 2013 due to his inability to cope with depression and anxiety (Allen, 2017). She claims that the condition is so severe to experience; however, nobody talks about it because it is considered shameful, especially among black people (Allen, 2017). Nevertheless, this is a stereotype that people of color are strong and ambitious and never feel anxiety. Hence, she appeals to the audience that individuals should openly speak about the disorder so that they can be helped.
During the talk, Allen mentions her therapist Dawn Armstrong, who has a strong sense of familiarity, which she finds comforting. The speaker said that her counselor was culturally sensitive, which presumes that regardless of the race one belongs to, a specialist must value their background (Allen, 2017). Such therapists recognize and defer the beliefs of their clients and never impose their own on them. Being culturally sensitive is necessary for every professional because one may find out they have different backgrounds when working with people. Clients may feel respected if the therapist considers their values, thereby receiving more support.
Even if a counselor does not own the same demographic traits or has never experienced their client’s issue, they should be culturally sensitive. It is possible to express respect and value one’s beliefs and perspectives because a therapist’s primary role is supported. Apart from people of different races, minorities such as LGBTQ, religious communities, victims of abuse, refugees, and others can benefit from culturally sensitive professionals.
There are different depression prevalence rates among specific demographic groups. The statistic shows that only 6% of Blacks or African Americans experience this disorder (“Major depression,” 2022). However, the number seems untrue since most people of color tend to hide their condition due to bias. The prevalence rate does not show the actual situation described in Nikki Allen’s talk. The significant difference here is that individuals are eager to share their feeling with others for fear of being misunderstood. This discrepancy point to the idea of the mental health paradox, which implies that psychological issues affect a far larger population than stated, but no one wants to discuss them due to stigmatization.
In conclusion, depression is a severe disorder that many individuals encounter, but only a minority is willing to share about it. There is a bias that Black Americans do not suffer from these conditions compared to other races. Nonetheless, the numbers do not disclose the actual situation due to the mental health paradox. It means that people are still exposed to being stigmatized due to their psychological issues.
References
Allen, N. (2017). Don’t suffer from your depression in silence [Video]. TED.
Major depression. (2022). National Institute of Mental Health.