Anxiety and depression are two different conditions but share a complex relationship. People suffering from dementia often display signs of anxiety. Also, the presence of anxiety can worsen the symptoms of dementia including making it harder for the patient to pay attention, make decisions, or plan. Anxiety is seen as a risk factor for dementia.
The prevalence of anxiety and dementia in Black communities is concerning. In a 2019 publication by the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Vance, PhD, hinted that research suggests that Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems and lower rates of mental health service utilization. A 2022 study showed that only 47% and 65.2% of Black men and women, respectively, with lifetime anxiety disorder used mental health services.
The combination of poor diagnosis, limited utilization of mental health services, and increased difficulty in accessing doctors and healthcare providers makes anxiety and dementia a mental health burden in Black communities.
Fighting anxiety can lower your risk of dementia
The first step towards combating anxiety and dementia is understanding the factors that can increase your chances of developing the conditions. Anxiety often stems from the fear that something bad will happen or from believing too many mental health myths. Here are factors that can cause anxiety and how to relieve yourself from them.
1. Economic pressures or burdens, including lack of money
Lower employment and underemployment rates have left many Black families struggling to pay their bills. Consequently, some feel the nagging pressure of not knowing where their next meal will come from or fight the looming possibility of being evicted from their apartment.
In 2022, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation said the number of uninsured nonelderly Black Americans had dropped from 20.9% to 10%. Although an exciting development, the number of uninsured Black Americans is still 1.5 times higher than white Americans. Uninsured Black families are forced to pay for expensive healthcare from their pockets.
Not meeting financial obligations can lead to a rise in stress levels and exhaustion. Some of the ways to fight the anxiety that comes with a lack of money include;
- Create a budget to help avoid impulsive spending and track your spending
- Cultivate a healthy savings habit
- Have an emergency fund
- Pay off your debts as quickly as possible
- Take up side jobs to augment your income where possible
- Seek financial help from trusted family and friends
2. Poor diet including taking too much alcohol or caffeine
Stress can lead to poor diet choices including indulging in caffeine and alcohol. From the pressure to deliver at work to the pressure to make more money to solve a family emergency, Black adults often take excessive caffeine and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
However, excessive coffee and alcohol intake have been linked to several health problems including diabetes, sleep disorder, and anxiety. Here are ways to break free from relying on alcohol and caffeine to get through stress.
- Consider replacing alcohol and caffeine with healthier alternatives like tea and water
- Be mindful of your triggers and stay away from them
- Get help from family, friends, partners, spiritual leaders, or join a support group
- Consider seeking professional help and guidance
3. Anxiety has been identified as a side effect of some drugs
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, medications with caffeine, corticosteroids, stimulants, ADHD drugs, and seizure drugs can all cause anxiety as a side effect. If you experience anxiety after taking any medication, report it to your doctor so they can work with you to find an alternative.
4. Damage to the Amygdala, the part of the brain involved in emotion
Traumatic brain injury can cause damage to the Amygdala which is the part of the brain that plays a role in processing emotions. Overwhelming this part of the brain with emotions like fear, stress, anger, etc. can also lead to structural changes that alter the way it functions. Depending on the nature of the damage, anxiety may set in.
- Always protect your head with a helmet when riding a bike, skating, or doing any other activities that may put you at risk of traumatic brain injury
- Stay away from people or situations that trigger strong emotional reactions in you
- Practice breathing exercises to help you cope with strong emotional triggers
- See a therapist if you are struggling to manage emotions like anger
5. Anxiety can be inherited
In a recent TED Talk, Dr. Candace Layne, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Imagine Counseling Services said mental health like anxiety can be inherited. She said “generational threads” can impact our overall health and wellbeing namely genetically and psychologically. Stories of decades of slavery, police brutality, and injustice against the Black race are passed down and shape our mental health. Dr. Layne said the best way to create generational wellness is by seeking help and having open mental health conversations.
When it comes to dealing with mental health crises like anxiety and dementia, it is always important to understand that we cannot go it alone. We should normalize talking about mental health and seeking help when we think we need it. Elevate Black Health resources you can leverage. Also, take advantage of free tools offered by the American Hospital Association to find professional help.
For more reading
https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/addressing-mental-health-black-community
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9133161
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/anxiety-dementia
https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/health-insurance-coverage-access-care-black-americans
https://www.aha.org/2011-02-07-national-mental-health-organizations
