It came as no surprise to George Smith when a report released this week said there were significant increases in antidepressant use across all sociodemographic groups except African Americans.

"There are still negative stereotypes for blacks who seek mental health support, whether it's from a psychologist, a psychiatrist or from the church,'' says Smith, a Chicago psychologist. "We have to overcome these negative stereotypes through education. Most, if not all, mental health conditions are treatable. Options available include medication and talk therapy. Both work.''

In 2005, 27 million people were prescribed an antidepressant, according to the 'Archives of General Psychiatry' report . That is about a 10 percent leap from 1996 when about 6 percent or 13 million people received prescriptions. Additionally, almost half of the prescriptions were to help patients manage chronic pain and handle sleep difficulties, the study says.

But just because the community does not use antidepressants does not mean there is not a problem. Blacks had higher rates of depression (8 percent) than whites (4.8 percent), according to a study conducted during 2005 and 2006 by Laura A. Pratt and Debra J. Brody for the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Smith, who works on the South Side of Chicago, including Englewood, one of the most troubled neighborhoods in nation, attributes the low usage of antidepressants in the black community to a number of reasons: a lack of health insurance, a misunderstanding of mental health issues and fear of the medication. Further, some people reject the use of antidepressants because of religious or personal beliefs.

Many also may be concerned about health risks. A loud public outcry led the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 to add a "black box warning'' that the drugs could increase suicidal thoughts in children.

He said cost also is a barrier for some families and individuals. He applauded President Barack Obama's health care reform measure.

"It will give people, who weren't able to afford it before, more access to mental health treatment," Smith said. "We have to tackle this in two ways, give people access that wasn't there because of financial barriers and then educate them about the importance of maintaining their mental health. No one is judging them.''