Associate Professor of Social Work Sean Joe. Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan.

African-American male adolescents suffering from depression are more likely to seek help from family than go to mental health professionals, according to a study from social work experts at the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland and Howard University.

“African-American adolescent boys underutilize mental health service due to stigma associated with depression,” said Sean Joe, associate professor of social work and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan.

The study shows social networks may play an important role in lowering depression symptoms among this demographic group.

To learn more about how social workers help teenagers cope with life challenges, visit the National Association of Social Workers “Help Starts Here” Youth Development Web page by clicking here.