July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. At Dupont Counseling Group, we recognize that mental health challenges affect everyone, no matter their age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background. However, it’s also important that we acknowledge and bring awareness to the unique challenges minorities face when it comes to their mental health.
As more than one in five U.S. adults grapple with mental illness, the impact on people of color is even more alarming. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, minorities experience longer lasting and more disabling effects of mental health disorders. Moreover, most mental illnesses in these communities go untreated.
“Mental health challenges among minorities stem from systemic and social issues,” said Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, a licensed mental health counselor with Dupont Counseling Group. “These problems create misunderstandings and perceptions that, in turn, hinder medical outcomes.”
Harshaw explains that addressing mental health challenges among minorities is like looking at two sides of the same coin. On one side, we see systemic issues like discrimination and a lack of acceptance that contribute to mental health problems. On the other side, we need to recognize the barriers to healthcare that prevent these communities from getting the help they need.
First and foremost, discrimination deeply impacts the mental health of minority groups by creating an environment of stress and fear. Persistent exposure to prejudice and unequal treatment can lead to feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression.
“Discrimination is essentially negative treatment or negative behaviors and reactions toward another person that often stems from an unhealthy point-of-view,” Harshaw said.
That typically snowballs into issues of exclusion and personal safety concerns on top of a lack of acceptance and power. Minorities are often excluded from social and cultural activities as well as political decisions. Additionally, the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) population has a history of a marginalization of treatment from law enforcement.
“Interactions between law enforcement and minority groups can often lead to anxiety and feelings of rejection,” Harshaw said. “These interactions also lead minorities to feel like they ultimately lack protection, which ironically is the very thing law enforcement is supposed to provide.”
As a result, someone who is a minority may feel like they don’t have control over their own life. Harshaw says this feeling of powerlessness can reinforce feelings of helplessness.
Additionally, minority communities often face disparities in educational resources, funding, and opportunities compared to their counterparts. This disparity can contribute to lower self-esteem and limited access to socioeconomic opportunities, further exacerbating mental health challenges.
“Access to education opens doors for children and teens, allowing them to expand their horizons, gain competence, connect with others, and experience new things,” Harshaw said. “It helps them learn, grow in self-awareness, and discover their potential.”
Studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of education generally have better mental health outcomes, highlighting the critical role education plays in overall well-being.
Concurrently, barriers to healthcare further compound these challenges, preventing many in minority communities from accessing the support they need. Did you know only 37.9% of non-Hispanic Black or African American adults and 36.1% of Asian adults with mental illness received treatment in 2022?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, discrimination in the healthcare system persists. Many Black people encounter negative experiences when seeking treatment while also facing a lack of cultural competency. Additionally, language barriers further impede access to care for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This lack of linguistic support can lead to miscommunication, misunderstanding of symptoms, and inadequate treatment. These issues can exacerbate the overall distrust of the healthcare system.
Moreover, poverty and a lack of insurance coverage are two other major factors that result in delayed treatment, worsened symptoms, and quality of life.
As we observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, we need to confront the stark realities facing minority communities in their struggles with mental health.
Raising awareness of these hurdles is not just about acknowledging disparities; it’s about recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of every individual to access quality mental healthcare.
Continuing these conversations is crucial. By amplifying diverse voices and sharing stories, we can foster understanding, reduce stigma, and empower communities to seek help without fear or prejudice. At Dupont Counseling Group, we are committed to building a society where mental health support is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of all individuals, regardless of background.