Watch: Trevor Noah breaks down the nationwide mental health sigma that plagues the Black community
27 May 2022
Trevor Noah is highlighting the ongoing challenges Black Americans face in trying to find adequate mental health care.
On Thursday, May 26, Noah offered a statistical breakdown to explain just how difficult it is for Black Americans to find therapists that are not only clinically trained but also culturally conscious enough to thoroughly understand the challenges of people of color. The segment moved to a clip of a health report highlighting the disparities among minorities in comparison to whites.
"It's hard enough to get mental health treatment in the U.S., but studies show racial and ethnic minorities are least likely to receive mental health treatment than whites," the reporter explained. "Black and Hispanic children are less likely to get mental health care than white kids and studies show that irritability in the average white teenager is often labeled as depression. That same behavior is more likely to be seen as disruptiveness in Black and Latino children. Doctors say that can lead to feelings of hopelessness at an early age."
Summing up the report, Noah noted, "One of the reasons many Black people don't get the proper treatment is misdiagnosis. What is seen as depression in white people can be seen as disruptive behavior in Black people."
Another issue centers on the lacking number of Black psychologists across the United States. Per the report, "Today, only 4% of psychologists are Black,"
Noah went on to note Black Americans' most common methods of self-help. Although churches are the most common form of support, the late-night host noted that churches aren't always the most effective options for support. From a religious perspective, there are many times when discussions of mental health have been shamed in the Black community.
The segment shifted to a comical perspective of the challenges Black Americans face in churches. To view the full segment, click the link below.