Perspectives on depression among black Americans

Although research shows a prevalence of depression among black as well as white Americans, black Americans do not seek or receive treatment to an equal extent. Social workers should become better educated about depression and develop skills in recognizing this illness. Outreach efforts are needed to increase black Americans' awareness of depression and of the availability of treatment. Through development of ethnically sensitive mental health services and through working relationships with physicians, social workers can contribute to the identification of depressive symptoms, which can help avoid misdiagnosis.