African Americans & Mental Health

These numbers show the importance of self-care for people of color and its impact on reducing stress and improving mental health. From taking just a few minutes each day for deep breathing to setting aside time for physical activity, self-care is essential for our well-being. So, let's prioritize self-care and our mental health every day.

• 10-24, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Black youth aged

• 8.7%, Percentage of Black Americans who sought mental health treatment in 2018, compared to 18.6% of white Americans.

• 1 in 3 Of those African Americans who need mental health treatment who actually receive it.

• 1 in 5 Black adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year.

• 72%, Percentage of Black Americans who stated they have experienced racism. Racism and discrimination are significant factors in Black mental health.

• 58%, The percentage of African American adults living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.

• 20%, According to the American Psychiatric Association, African Americans are this percentage more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population.

• 45%, In a survey of Black adults conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, this is the percentage who reported experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of the pandemic.

• 1 in 4, The number of African American women who reported feeling isolated, compared to 1 in 5 of the general population, according to a National Alliance on Mental Illness study.

• 63%, The percentage of Black Americans who reported improvement in their overall mental health and functioning after receiving mental health treatment.