“It’s impossible to understand what good psychological health means if we don’t understand the economic, social, biological and physical context in which people live.” – Dr. James S. Jackson PhD.
The article “All I Eat is ARVs” written by Ippolytos Andreas Kalofonos, refers to the paradox of aids treatment interventions in central Mozambique. This article is a critique of the AIDS treatment programs because even while they save lives, they can paradoxically have dehumanizing effects such as the coexistence of hunger and competition for food while being given treatment for a deadly disease. Kalofono’s points to a particular kind of paradox that I think is relative to a lot of health disparities not only in the world but in the United States as well. In our efforts to treat diseases and illnesses, we concentrate on treating the symptoms, not by, according to Kalofonos, “targeting the biological conditions, political conditions, political and economic concerns and local forms of solidarity.” In other words, we have to understand the underlying causes to effectively address a problem.
The quote above was stated by Dr. James S Jackson, a psychologist at the University of Michigan. Dr. Jackson is referring to a paradox that many African American’s face when it comes to their mental health. Several national studies have indicated that African Americans are at greater risk for many health problems than their white counterparts. Despite large disparities in access to and utilization of mental health services, the prevalence of certain mental illnesses ( major depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, etc) is no greater among African Americans than among whites. Dr. Jackson believes that the answer behind this paradox rests in black American’s strategies for coping with discrimination, racism and social inequality. He suggests that these coping strategies are often self-medicating efforts such as drinking, smoking, eating “comfort foods” may be effective in preserving black mental health but may contribute to health disparities. I think that Dr. James S Jackson is right in his suggestions. It is only through understanding of the diversity of the minority experience that we can begin to eliminate the health disparities that African American’s face.
Hoping For Humanity 