Mental Health is not a Weakness

Within the communities of minorities and those who are marginalized, mental health is often considered a weakness. To receive treatment was kept quiet or even frowned upon in BIPOC communities. Since 2008 it has become apparent that there are mental health concerns for minority and marginalized communities. To be more specific, mental health concerns and treatment in Black, indigenous people of color communities receive less attention and treatment. The lack of support for mental health care in BIPOC communities is a problem, so what is the next move?

 

In taking action to address the issue of mental health for BIPOC communities, it is wise to recall many have lived experiences with trauma in care systems. Although emotional and physical trauma has occurred in years past, it is still very relevant to many. Such historical trauma includes racism, “conversion therapy,” and experimental procedures. Due to these experiences, it may deter people from accessing care or treatment as their lingering fear seems so closer than history says it is.

 

By standing together to focus on assisting the change of inequality and stigmas, access to care will be just that. The more the light shines on mental health and treatment, people will become more enlightened to seek the help and treatment they need. There will be less shame by their community or embarrassment when it comes to mental health care. Lack of access to treatment is prevalent for BIPOC communities. A system that has shown racism or discrimination and cultural incompetence among its providers make it difficult to access treatment. As stated in the American Psychological Association, 86% of psychologists in the U.S. are White.

 

Now that the mental health stigma is in continued attention, help is becoming less of a burden to obtain. Furthermore, it is the systemic concern within the healthcare settings that needs addressing until it is set right. There is a peak of treatment underway with positive attention on the matters of mental health treatment for BIPOC communities. 

 

https://mhanational.org/blog/minority-mental-health-notacharacterflaw