Across the United States, people experience health and healthcare differently, depending on their culture, background and even their zip code. Mental health, in particular, can carry a greater stigma in some communities—and even among different generations—than others. Since 2008, July has been observed as Bebe Moore National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, in order to raise awareness about mental health challenges, encourage people to participate in an online mental health screening and, if needed, find support.
Mental Health America shares the following statistics when it comes to minorities and mental health:
- 17% of African Americans live with a mental health condition
- 15% of Hispanic/Latinx Americans live with a mental health condition
- 13% of Asian Americans live with a mental health condition
- 23% of Native Americans/Alaskan Natives live with a mental health condition
- 25% of people who identify as being two or more races live with a mental health condition
- 37% of people who identify as LGBTQIA+ live with a mental health condition
When an individual lacks access to care it can further complicate mental health struggles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people from racial and ethnic communities may face obstacles in getting help because of issues related to cost, adequate health insurance coverage, difficulty in finding a provider from their racial or ethnic group and because of stigma around mental health and counseling. At the same time, these challenges could be compounded if an individual has experienced racial discrimination and trauma over a lifetime.
This month offers an opportunity to make strides that could benefit your mental health and the mental health of those around you. Here are some ideas on how to get started.
- Be honest about your own mental health and find help when you need it. If you recognize that you’re struggling, ask for help. You can talk to your primary care doctor or seek out resources in your own community, including mental health counselors and support groups. If you’re experiencing a crisis, call or chat 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or contact the Alabama Crisis Center of Care.
- Share your own mental health struggles with others. By normalizing mental health challenges, we can help bring an end to the stigma. If you’re comfortable sharing your own experiences with friends and family, do so. You never know whom you might be helping. At the same time, it may help you to reflect on what you’ve been through and talk about what’s been beneficial in your own journey.
- Learn healthy ways to cope with stress. Stress is something that’s a part of life. We can’t control it, but we can control how we respond to it. There are a number of actions you can take on a day-to-day basis that may help you manage stress better. Those include eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, making time to do things you enjoy and avoiding substances that can exacerbate stress, like drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Relaxing activities such as breathing exercises, meditation and yoga can also help you relax and focus.
- Volunteer in your own community. When you connect with a meaningful non-profit and donate your own time and energy to helping them, you’re supporting their mission while enabling them to extend assistance to people in need. And you’re also allowing yourself to be a part of a larger community, which could be beneficial to your own mental health.
- Stay on top of your health needs. Mental health can impact physical health and vice versa. Make sure to prioritize your overall health by staying on top of recommended screenings and vaccinations and establishing a good relationship with a primary care provider. That way, if a health concern arises, you know whom to turn to.
The CDC defines mental health equity as “the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to reach their highest level of mental health and emotional well-being.” BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity to talk about the challenges minority communities face, so that we can take steps towards achieving mental health equity for all.
