Citation

Apat DK, Digwa W. Australas. Rev. Afr. Stud. 2021; 42(1): 64-80.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific)

DOI

10.22160/22035184/ARAS-2021-42-1/64-80

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper examines mental health policies in relation to African communities residing in New South Wales, Australia and the attitudes of African communities toward mental disorders and mental health services. Current mental health policy frameworks have shown an inadequate inclusion of African communities. This may negatively affect the design of mental health interventions and how African communities engage with mental health services. The available mental health literature on African communities showed disjointed and uncoordinated data which focuses on specific community-groups within African communities. Insufficient mental health or suicide data, combined with African community members' perception toward mental disorders and mental health services, makes it very difficult to progress engagement and interventions. There is a need for proper and sizable data on mental health related to people of African descent in NSW and Australia wide, if positive outcomes are to be realised. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Language: en