Cultural Groups and Depression

Cultural Groups

African American

Depression is a common and highly treatable disorder affecting over 17-20 million Americans annually. Second only to heart disease, depression is the top reason for suicide in the United States. Once identified, depression can almost always be successfully treated. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and under-treatment is common especially within the African American community.
[Download the NAMI African American Community Mental Health fact sheet.]

American Indian and Alaska Native

Compared to the general population, American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals underutilize mental health services, have higher therapy "dropout" rates and are less likely to respond to treatment. In addition, the words "depressed" and "anxious" are absent from some AI/AN languages.
[Download the NAMI American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Mental Health fact sheet.]
[Download the NAMI American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Depression fact sheet.]

Asian American and Pacific Islander

Asian and Pacific Islander Americans represent one of the fastest growing segments of the population. Unfortunately, depression is the second leading cause of death in this group, with the highest rate of suicide among women between 15-24 years of age. While depression is a common and highly treatable disorder affecting over 17-20 million Americans annually, the pressures Asian Americans sometimes feel compound and complicate their ability to get help—only 27 percent seek help and/or treatment.
[Download the NAMI Asian American and Pacific Islander Community and Mental Health fact sheet.]
[Download the NAMI Asian American Women and Depression fact sheet.]

Latino/Hispanic

Latinos are more likely to experience a major depressive episode. A study found that long-term residence of Latinos in the United States significantly increased rates of mental disorders as well as increased rates of substance abuse.