[NYAPRS Enews] July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

[Luke Sikinyi]

NYAPRS Note: July is designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to recognize the need to improve the disparities in mental health services. According to a report<https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/minority-mental-health/index.html> by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) just "39 percent of Black or African American adults, 25 percent of Asian adults, and 36 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults" with mental health challenges received services, while 52 percent of their non-Hispanic white counterparts received services. There are many reasons for this disparity, including lack of adequate access, distrust in the system due to historic mistreatment, cultural insensitivity, and stigma. Historic disinvestment in communities of color and racism, especially in large urban areas such as New York City, has left many of these communities with a large police presence but few affordable community mental health services. We must focus on investing in community-based services for communities of color, growing the workforce to have more people who look like and understand the diverse communities they serve, and eliminate discrimination in service provision to improve these disparities. Approaching public health challenges with public health solutions, and not law enforcement, will go a long way to getting services to more people and rebuilding trust in the system. Read below for more information about Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and a short list of resources.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Shines a Light on Treatment Gaps and Stigmas
By Marlena Lang | WICS Newschannel 20 | July 10, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) - July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Those a part of racial and ethnic minority communities receive mental health care and treatment at much lower rates than non-hispanic white communities. Mental health professionals say it is because of a cultural stigma and lack of resources.

"The percent of adults with mental illness in the past year that actually received mental health services was lower, especially among Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino and Black or African Americans," explained Gail Raney, director of grant management and community liaison for Rosecrance Central Illinois. "They're saying like 25 to 35%, while white or multiracial adults are getting access to care at about a 52% rate."

Professionals say one of the reasons is because of the cultural stigma and history around mental health.

Before the civil war, the "psychological disorder" drapetomania was invented to describe why black slaves were running away. This then caused a stigma of needing mental health help meant one was weak.

"Nobody wants to say, 'oh by the way I'm taking a SSRI,' or 'I'm seeing a therapist.' because we are very uncomfortable with having that label, because those labels have been used against us in the past and the historical" said Joe Omo-Osagie, a Parkland College counselor & vice president of the Mental Health Board.

But for those who do seek out mental health care, it can also be difficult due to a number of burdens and a lack of resources. Such as finding a therapist that looks like them.

"So there are often people in the minority communities that are looking to speak with someone who looks like they do, and there's definitely a workforce shortage of people in minority communities being mental health care workers as well," said Raney.

In fact, there is a shortage of all mental health practitioners and an all time high of anxiety and depression due to the COVID pandemic. Leaving many who need help without it. Though, professionals say one on one therapy is not the only form of mental health care.

"I believe that yes, one-on-one counseling helps,but I'm a very big proponent of how groups work, how using the natural environment works," said Omo-Osagie.

Other obstacles that minority groups may face when seeking mental health help are financial struggles, not having time or transportation to mental health care, and a lack of trust or negative experience when it comes to therapy and mental health struggles.

Professionals emphasize the importance of taking care of your mental health. Walks, being outdoors, enjoying your favorite activity, talking to loved ones are all forms of mental health care.

Organizations and resources for minority mental health are listed below.

The Confess Project of America<https://www.theconfessprojectofamerica.org/>- The Confess Project of America is the national organization supporting local chapters that train barbers and stylists to become mental health advocates, with the mission to build awareness and break stigmas around mental health within the Black community.

Brother You're on my Mind<https://omegafandm.org/programs/brother-you-are-on-my-mind/>- The Brother, You're on My Mind toolkit provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in African American men.

The Trauma and Resilience Initiative<https://www.traumaresilienceinc.org/>- The Trauma & Resilience Initiative (TRI) is a non-profit organization that educates and promotes healing & resilience in individuals, families, organizations and communities while advocating for justice and equity for all. TRI offers free groups and activities for individuals and families affected by trauma and community violence. They can be reached at 217-673-7122 or curesponds at gmail.com<mailto:curesponds at gmail.com>


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://kilakwa.net/pipermail/nyaprs_kilakwa.net/attachments/20230713/87adffe9/attachment-0001.html>