Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Poor mental health is something that impacts every 1 in 5 Americans and, in my opinion, we don’t speak about it enough.
Mental health and wellness issues don't care about a person's race, colour, gender or identity. However, the lack of treatment can directly influence an individual's life. Depending on the way a person identifies themself, this can impact how they gain access to treatment and attitude towards getting help.
It has been proven that a person’s race has an impact on their mental health and wellbeing. The lack of overall access to treatment is real!
We need to start having some open conversations on why treatment is not available or accessible for everyone. For example, why are certain treatments, such as therapy so costly for marginalized groups? There should not be barriers when it comes to healthcare.
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and whilst we’re in such precedent times, it's essential to speak about it today, and everyday.
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and whilst we’re in such precedent times, it's essential to speak about it today, and everyday.
What is Minority Mental Health Awareness?
Bebe Moore Campbell showed us the light when she worked with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in and around urban LA. She highlighted the overwhelming struggles of families in an unjust mental health system that have failed to help provide minorities help or treatment. Bebe shared stories of warriors who prioritized the fight against white privilege. Every July since 2008, Linda Wharton-Boyd and Bebe have worked together to raise awareness of the injustice in the allocation of resources against poor mental health that is available to minorities.
We know services are available but not for everyone - and that is the problem.
Let’s Break Down The Systems
NAMI is a great research centre for anyone who needs more information. As I said, 1 out of 5 Americans suffering from mental health issues, is a lot.
Here are some statistics taken from their website:
Non-Hispanic Asian: 14.7%
Non-Hispanic white: 20.4%
Non-Hispanic black or African-American: 16.2%
Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native: 22.1%
Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial: 26.8%
Hispanic or Latino: 16.9%
Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 37.4%
And the list goes on...
As we continue with my work, I invite you to join me to discuss these tough topics. We need to know that we are all one and not alone, this month and every month of the year. We should feel supported and part of a community.
Join me on this mission, as mental health is something that impacts us all.
Comment below or send me a dm - we’ll talk more!
Let’s make this place blessed.
Jackie
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