Bottled Up Inside: : African American Teens and Depression

The question is asked, "Why are some African American children giving up on life?" Why are they failing and dropping out of school before they reach 10th grade? When these questions are posed to teenagers, issues that affect their lives and decisions are varied. Loneliness, poor home life, absentee parents, lack of employment opportunities, and a sense of hopelessness are some of the answers that seem to prevail. Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risks to perform poorly in school, miss out on valuable social experiences, and engage in substance abuse. Depression has become a huge health concern for African Americans due to a variety of issues affecting their families and communities. Not seeking help and treatment have prevented many from healing due to the stigma associated with mental illness. The suicide rate among black teens is increasing with this being the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. It is important to discuss the issues of mental health and how it affects people, so when help is needed, people will not be afraid to ask for help. Bottled Up Inside: African American Teens and Depression seeks to educate and inform parents, teenagers and the community that with counseling and therapy, teenagers can lead healthy and prosperous lives.