DIGEST-Volume-10-Issue-2-FULL ISSUE

20 TPC Digest B l ack youth are frequently overlooked and undertreated when it comes to depression. Most of the studies in the extant literature took place in urban areas; little is known about rural experiences, and even less is known about experiences in the southeastern United States. Although 90% of rural Black people live in the southeastern part of the United States, there are only two studies in the literature that specifically examined depression among rural Black people using national data. This gap in the literature indicates insufficient knowledge regarding the personal experiences of Black adolescents with depression. A review of the literature captured symptoms and coping strategies unique to Black adolescents and the disparities that exist in mental health care for adolescents, specifically for minorities. This qualitative study posed an overarching research question to Black adolescents living in the rural southeastern United States: “What is your experience with depression?” The research design for the study was a basic interpretive qualitative method. The purpose of this method was to understand the perspectives of 10 participants by uncovering and interpreting their meanings. Each participant (a) self-identified as Black, (b) was between the ages of 13 and 17, (c) was willing to participate, (d) had secured a signed informed consent form from their parents, (e) had signed a participant assent form, and (f) was currently under the care of a counselor either in or out of school for depression. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim by both the first author and a professional transcriber, then coded and analyzed for themes. Participants reported that their most prevalent symptoms were isolation, loneliness, and social withdrawal and sadness. Contributing factors were negative emotional influence from peers, verbal abuse, differences from others, and family problems. The most prevalent negative consequences were illegal drug use, self-inflicted harm, sexual intercourse, and suicidal attempts. Barriers to treatment included uncomfortable issues, lack of trust, and trouble with self-expression. Participants described how friends and family members were causes of their depression as well as sources of support. In conclusion, contextual factors are often involved in the onset of depression in Black adolescents, and there is not enough active therapeutic and medical treatment for Black adolescents living with depression. Counselors also need to recognize the stigma and the reluctance to seek treatment for mental illness within the Black community. Awareness of these barriers can help counselors become more educated on the needs of Black adolescents who live in rural communities. More studies need to be completed to fully understand the mental health needs and experiences of Black adolescents who are experiencing depression. TeShaunda Hannor-Walker, PhD, NCC, LPC, CPCS, is an assistant professor at Liberty University. Lynn Bohecker, PhD, LMFT, is an associate professor at Liberty University. Lacey Ricks, PhD, NCC, is an assistant professor at Liberty University. Sarah Kitchens, PhD, NCC, is an assistant professor at Liberty University. Correspondence may be addressed to TeShaunda Hannor-Walker, 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515, thannorwalker@liberty.edu . Read full article and references: Hannor-Walker, T., Bohecker, L., Ricks, L., & Kitchens, S. (2020). Experiences of Black adolescents with depression in rural communities. The Professional Counselor , 10 (2) , 285–300. doi :10.15241/thw.10.2.285 TeShaunda Hannor-Walker, Lynn Bohecker, Lacey Ricks, Sarah Kitchens Experiences of Black Adolescents With Depression in Rural Communities |