Minority Mental Health Month

This special designation was established in 2008 in honor of the late Bebe Moore Campbell, a well-known author and former spokesperson of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Campbell recognized the need for people of color to destigmatize seeking mental health support. She describes the issue precisely when she stated that, “People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.”  In recognition of Minority Mental Health Month, two Roanoke area healthcare and human service professionals of color weigh-in on why communities of color do not seek mental healthcare as well as the importance of seeking mental healthcare to promote healing and self-care.

Why do people of color not seek mental healthcare?

Dina Hackley-Hunt., MA, Director of Education and Outreach, SARA (Sexual Assault Response and Awareness)

I believe it is difficult for members of marginalized communities to seek help from members of the majority culture for several reasons. Primarily I have heard and sensed a lack of trust stemming from years of medical malpractice and experimentation perpetrated upon Black and Brown bodies.  In addition, I have heard people say that members of the majority culture could not possibly understand what it’s like to be a minority. I have also heard people state that they don’t want folks “in their business” when referring to seeking help from minority therapists. Again, a lack of trust surfaces- but in this case, it’s born from a fear that their personal information would not be kept confidential. I also believe there are stereotypes and narrow views of strength that contribute to a lack of help-seeking. Black people are supposed to be strong and resilient and “shouldn’t need” professional help. Lastly, the role of traditional religion can make people feel that going outside the church for help would be seen as a lack of faith or an inherent weakness. Unfortunately, this reluctance to seek help impedes the healing process and has devastating effects on the community. 

Why is it important for people of color to seek help?

Markeia C. Young, LPC, New Horizons Healthcare

As a Licensed Professional Counselor who is also a Black woman I have engaged with numerous people of color over my 13 years in the mental health field. A common concern that I have witnessed these individuals sharing when it comes to accessing mental health care is a core belief that talk therapy and psychiatric services are for “White people”. There is a significant stigma in the Black community around needing outside support to address things like depression, anxiety, and trauma. At times our culture perpetuates the myth of the “Strong Black Woman” and that masculinity and vulnerability are mutually exclusive. I think a lot of Black people can relate to seeing our parents and grandparents struggle with mental health issues while trying to keep a brave face or maintain some sense of stability so that they could provide a better life for their children than they had. Unfortunately, I have seen this negatively affect the physical health and general well-being of these individuals. I waited until I was 34-years-old to seriously address my own mental health needs and seek additional supports. Sometimes as a people we try to avoid judgment or bringing unnecessary attention to ourselves, which prevents us from reaching out sooner to gather support from trusted others and members of the mental health community. Additionally, I think the scarcity of therapists of color is a barrier to minorities accessing services for fear that a White provider may not understand or relate to them in a helpful way. 

As a therapist in an outpatient Community Mental Health setting, most of the presenting issues and concerns I see with my patients of color are related to depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. The majority of my patients have had difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries with themselves, their families, and other loved ones. This has created a climate of emotional and physical burnout that has only been compounded by the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the work I do with patients is centered on prioritizing self-care and creating a way of relating to others that communicates respect for themselves and the people they care about. As our socio-political climate continues to change and take some scary turns, I have also noticed that my patients of color are starting to express the toll systemic racism and oppression are taking on their daily lives. I hope that by de-mystifying and de-colonizing therapy we can empower people of color to access the mental health care that is so vital to building strong communities in the present but also the future. We have the power to interrupt and replace cycles and patterns of racial, intergenerational, and complex trauma. If I could give anyone advice as they are debating seeking help I would let them know that there is no shame in taking care of your mental health and acknowledging that some challenges and issues are too big to shoulder on your own. Social media and online therapy have made great strides toward normalizing therapy and de-stigmatizing individuals who receive mental health treatment. Therapy is more accessible than it has been at any other time in my career and I would highly recommend that individuals research options for treatment in their communities as an act of radical self-love and care.

What does the research show?

The following statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health show the percentages comparison of Blacks compared to Whites when measured by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, etc. The next chart gives us a comparison of those who received mental health care.

Source: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=24

In summary, it is evident that minorities are less likely to receive mental healthcare in comparison to non-minorities. There are complex reasons for this, as expressed in the professional opinions stated above, as well as lack of access to healthcare services, lack of health insurance, and the perceived stigma of mental illness in some cultural communities. It is also a fact that racism and discrimination negatively impact both the physical and mental health of those who have been affected by it. It puts the minority community at a greater risk for mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. By removing the stigma associated with mental healthcare, as well as the barriers to access, we can move toward becoming a healthier community.

If you need help, please call New Horizons Healthcare at 540-362-0360. New Horizons Healthcare provides healthcare solutions with cultural competency.