Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

In some Black West Indian cultures, how is depression typically managed?

1. Seeking therapy

2. Being strong

3. Using medication

4. Participating in community support

The correct answer is: Being strong

In some Black West Indian cultures, the approach to managing depression often emphasizes resilience and the cultural value placed on strength. This perspective is rooted in historical contexts where individuals and communities have faced various hardships. The belief in being strong can lead individuals to internalize their struggles rather than seek external help or express vulnerability. This cultural viewpoint may discourage open discussions about mental health issues, as they could be seen as a sign of weakness. Many individuals might feel that acknowledging their depression contradicts the emphasis on strength and perseverance ingrained in their culture. Consequently, this approach can affect the way individuals cope with their feelings of sadness or depression, often leading them to rely on personal fortitude or familial support rather than professional mental health services. The other options—seeking therapy, using medication, or participating in community support—while beneficial in many contexts, may not align as closely with this cultural perspective. Therapy and medication require an acknowledgment of mental health issues that may contradict the emphasis on strength. Community support might exist, but it may not be prioritized in the same way that personal resilience is perceived.