Each July, we celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to lift up the unique mental health struggles and stories of minority communities across the United States. This national recognition first began in July 2008 when Bebe Moore Campbell shared her experience and concerns with the U.S. Congress. She acknowledged that people of all colors are affected by mental health stigmas. After all, no one wants to admit that they aren’t in control of their mind. “But people of color really don’t want to say it because we already feel stigmatized by virtue of skin color or eye shape or accent,” she explained. “We don’t want any more reasons for anyone to say, ‘You’re not good enough.’”
Let’s take a closer look at the three main issues that affect minorities who struggle with their mental health.
1. Access to care
To start, minority populations are more likely to face barriers when it comes to simply seeking care. They are less likely to have health insurance and may be unable to pay for proper treatment. Black and Hispanic populations are more likely to receive healthcare from the emergency room, which means they don’t have a primary care provider and thus lack continuity of care or options for preventative medicine. Additionally, members of the Native American community face poverty twice as often as members of the general population, which makes paying for mental health care particularly difficult.
There is also a lack of mental health professionals working in the public health system. Beyond being available, these providers must be trained to understand the populations that they serve. Studies have shown that people of color report higher levels of dissatisfaction when it comes to care. When treatment fails to align with the patient’s experience, it often leads to negative outcomes and a higher dropout rate.
2. Stigmas, both within cultures and families
As mentioned above, stigmas exist for all populations but are particularly prevalent among minority groups. For instance, mental health treatment is considered “shameful” within the Asian American population. Instead of seeking help, many Asian Americans tend to hide their struggles, particularly when facing depression and suicidal thoughts. In fact, per data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minorirty Health, Asian American males in grades 9th through 12th were 30 percent more likely to consider attempting suicide than non-Hispanic white male students in 2019. Moreover, in that same year, suicide was the leading cause of death for Asian/Pacific Islanders, ages 15 to 24.
Additionally, mental health treatment often requires a family commitment. For instance, an individual may need transportation or child care to attend therapy sessions. Without love, support, and understanding from their inner circle, people are less likely to seek help.
3. Language barriers
This challenge is especially difficult for older members of minority groups and recent immigrants, particularly those of Hispanic and Latinx communities who speak Spanish as their primary language. Mental health issues are complicated, and effective treatment requires clear communication between patient and provider.
So how can we raise awareness of minority mental health issues?
Put simply, we need to work together to change the status quo and raise the bar for better mental health care for everyone, especially minorities. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Acknowledge National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month on social media! Check out the shareable graphics and captions from the Office of Minority Health.
Encourage mental health organizations to include minorities on staff and/or on the board of directors.
Write and call local and federal lawmakers and support efforts to improve access to and the quality of mental health services in your community.
Take advantage of any opportunity to speak out about minority mental health.
Be more open and understanding about what individuals within minority communities may be going through compared to your own experiences.
Discover the possibility of living a meaningful life. Discover the possibility of recovery. Contact Dr. Benaaz Russell, PsyD, CEDS today to schedule an appointment!