Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is dedicated to Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in hopes to de-stigmatize mental illness, especially against racial and ethnic minorities. For decades, systemic racism and disparities in society have led to unequal healthcare, access to mental health services, and quality of care. It is important to spread awareness on the importance of mental health within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community as they are less likely to receive quality healthcare in the world.
In 2008, Congress passed the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was a mental health advocate for unrepresented communities and helped found NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The goal of this awareness month is to not only enhance public awareness of mental health disparities within minority communities, but to improve accessibility to mental health services for minorities. According to the American Psychiatric Association:
People who identify as two or more races are more likely to have any mental illness in the past year than any other racial or ethnic group, followed by American Indians.
Among those receiving services for mental illness, White Americans are the highest percent receiving services, while Black, Hispanic and Asian communities have a much lower rate of receiving mental health services.
The presence of depression in Blacks and Hispanics is more likely to be persistent compared to White communities.
Problems that arise due to the disparities in mental illness within minorities include mental health stigma, underinsurance or lack of insurance, lack of diverse healthcare providers or culturally competent providers, and low support in the mental healthcare system.
How to get involved
Join minority mental health organizations such as NAMI, Inclusive Therapists (on instagram @inclusivetherapists, Melanin and Mental Health (on instagram @melaninandmentalhealth) and AAKOMA project. Visit Mental Health Resources for Underrepresented Communities for more information.
Start discussions with your family, friends and on social media about the importance of minority mental health.
Join the campaign #CureStigma, created by NAMI, to advocate for mental illness and discuss ways to help and create awareness!
