July is Minority Mental Health Month. This time is set aside to address mental health issues experienced in minority communities. Mental illness does not discriminate.
Minority groups experience challenges in accessing mental health services. Socioeconomic status, stigma, and fear of experiencing discrimination contribute to reduced utilization of mental health services. The LGBTQIA community have higher rates of body dysmorphia, bullying, abuse, and feeling unsafe. Native Americans have the highest rates of mental illness when compared to all other populations. Hispanic/Latino communities have numerous barriers to accessing mental health care, such as cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, language barriers, lack of culturally-tailored treatment, and lack of insurance.
Take this month to reflect on how you can improve conditions for minority groups. Take time to check in on others. Enhance your knowledge on the issues that minority groups face. Spread awareness. Reduce stigma. Advocate. And above all else, be kind.
There are a variety of excellent resources available to minority groups (see below).
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Steve Fund focuses on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
Resources on the Hispanic/Latino population include national survey reports, agency and federal initiatives, and related behavioral health and Spanish-language resources.
One Sky Center is a federally funded national resource center dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues among Native people.
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association aims to promote the mental health and well being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Additional information on various minority groups and resources can be found at the Mental Health America website, NAMI website, and the SAMHSA website
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