July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments, and more likely to receive lower quality care. Research shows that our friends and neighbors of color or who are gay or transgender are less likely to access or have access to mental health care due to stigma and barriers caused by implicit bias or systemic racism. Poor mental health care access and quality of care contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, among racial and ethnic minority populations.
- In 2017, 11% of young adults had serious thoughts of suicide including 8% of non-Hispanic blacks and 9% of Hispanics.
- In 2017, 8 % of young adults had a serious mental illness including 8% of non-Hispanic Asians, 6 % of Hispanics and 5% of non-Hispanic blacks.
- What can we do? First let's raise awareness and second let's reach out and support our neighbors no matter who they are, so that they have the support they need to thrive.
How can you help? First raise awareness of the issue. Second, be proactive and seek to understand your neighbors and fellow community members who you perceive as different from you. Supportive relationships are the number one way to overcome any kind of a mental health issue. What does that mean? It means YOU have the power to be the solution and a healing force in the life of another.
How can you be a help to your friend or fellow community members who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues? Be a friend. Seek to understand your neighbors and fellow community members who you perceive as different from you. Focus on being nonjudgmental, compassionate and understanding. Say or ask, “I’ve noticed you’re [sleeping more, eating less, etc.]. Is everything okay?” “I've noticed that you haven't been acting like yourself lately. Is something going on?” “It makes me concerned to hear you talking like this. Let’s talk to someone about it.”
Here are some questions you can ask when you want to be an emotional support.
- How can I best support you right now?
- Can I help you find mental health services and supports?
- Can I help you make an appointment?
- Can I help you with the stuff you need to get done until you’re feeling better?
- Would you like me to go with you to a support group or a meeting?
- Do you need a ride to any of your appointments?
Remember you have the power to be the solution and a healing force in the life of another--especially those you perceive as different from you.
-Jerry Strausbaugh, EdD, LPCC-S, Executive Director, Appleseed Community Mental Health Center
