In the United States, we’re getting more comfortable talking about mental illness, and that’s important. Because conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorder are remarkably common. In fact, one in five people lives with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It can impact anyone, and some groups are at higher risk. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a time to raise awareness about the impact of mental illness on minority groups. For example, the 2021 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that mental illness is most prevalent in adults reporting two or more races, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives; young adults (ages 18-25) and females are also more likely to experience mental illness. Lesbian, gay and bisexual adults are twice as likely as heterosexual people to experience a mental health condition and transgender people are four times as likely as cisgender individuals. While Black and Hispanic people tend to have lower or similar rates of mental conditions as white people, the conditions may be more severe, or last for longer periods of time; plus, people from minority groups are less likely to seek treatment for health care, they may struggle to find providers with similar backgrounds; and many face stigma in their own community.
As we observe National Minority Health Awareness Month, think about steps you could take that might be helpful to someone in your circle. Maybe that means talking about your own mental health struggles as a way of removing the stigma; or it could involve educating yourself about the challenges confronting people in minority groups; perhaps it’s volunteering or donating to an organization that supports mental health. Here are some ideas to help you get started, whether you identify as a minority, yourself, or an ally.
If you’re part of an underrepresented group:
- Make your mental health a priority. Too often, we take care of everyone else first and ourselves last. This month, put your needs at the top of the list. Check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. If you’ve been feeling down, or stuck, or you haven’t been feeling pleasure from activities that once brought you joy, consider asking for help. Talk to your primary care provider or make an appointment with a mental health care provider, either in person or via telehealth.
- Take a break from social media and the news cycle. Every day seems to bring a new barrage of negativity and divisiveness. If it feels overwhelming, take a break. Unplug for a little while. If that makes you feel better, strategize on what changes you can make to shield yourself in the future. Use the extra time doing activities that bring you joy.
- Stay socially connected. Friends and family have the power to boost your health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a strong social network can help reduce stress, minimize physical health problems and benefit your emotional wellbeing. This month, make it a point to connect or reconnect with people you value.
- Focus on improving your physical health and your mental health will benefit. Everyday actions can make a big impact on how you feel. The foods you choose to eat, the exercises you participate in, the way you manage stress—all of these can help or hinder your psychological outlook. By taking care of your overall health, you’ll also help your mental health.
- Get involved in your community. Researchers know there’s a connection between volunteering and happiness. Consider an organization that aligns with your values, and find out ways that you can help out. Bonus points this month if this month if the organization works in the mental health sphere.
- Open your mind and your heart. Stigma around mental illness is nothing new, and it’s something that many people grapple with. One way to begin to take back the stigma is to talk about your own challenges with mental health: Are you—or were you—struggling? What has helped? Who has helped? If you open up, others might be more comfortable in doing so, too; and you may even inspire them to seek help.
- Be a good friend. If you’ve noticed that friends or family are struggling with their mental health, reach out and ask if they need anything. Encourage them to talk about what they’re going through and let them know that they’re not alone. Ask them how you can best support them.
- Know where to turn in a crisis. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
If you’re an ally:
- Know the facts. If you, yourself, don’t come from a minority background, then you may not be aware of the impact that racism and bias can have on a person and their health—both physical and mental. Spend some time online reading about topics such as health disparities, health inequity and systemic racism to familiarize yourself with the topic, and to begin to understand how the experiences of others might be vastly different from your own in health care and beyond.
- Get involved with community organizations. Are there organizations in your community that help minorities and focus on mental health? Ask them about volunteer opportunities, or make a donation in honor of National Minority Mental Health Month.
- Tune into your own biases. Everyone has biases. That’s human nature. But it’s important to be aware of what those biases are and address them as needed, so that they don’t harm another person. Some steps you can take are to avoid making assumptions about other people—let them surprise you. And try to always lead with empathy. Seek to understand people rather than judging them or questioning their actions.
- Celebrate diversity within your circles. Make it a point to connect with people who come from different backgrounds than you and offer varied experiences and perspectives. Diversity broadens minds, and keeps life interesting.
- Know what to do in a crisis. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
