The Importance of Mental Health Access for BIPOC
To understand the importance of mental health for BIPOC communities, consider the following points:
Acknowledge the unique stressors faced by BIPOC, including systemic racism and discrimination.
Promote culturally relevant mental health resources that resonate with BIPOC experiences.
Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma within communities.
Advocate for increased access to mental health services tailored to BIPOC needs.
Highlight the role of community support in fostering resilience and healing.
Recognize the impact of historical trauma and its ongoing effects on mental well-being.
Mental health affects us all. More than 20% of adults and 16% of children in the U.S. have a mental health disorder, but less than half receive treatment (MHA, 2023).
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), almost half of White Americans with mental illnesses receive therapy or counseling. Only 33% of the Hispanic and Latinx community, 31% of the Black community, and 25% of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities receive needed therapy. Research (Perzichilli, 2020) also indicates that BIPOC are:
Less likely to have access to mental health services
Less likely to seek treatment
More likely to receive low-quality care
More likely to stop treatment early
To support mental wellness, especially in BIPOC communities, we must recognize and overcome barriers to care, including social stigmas and disparities, financial challenges, and accessibility.
Develop crisis intervention teams
Create public education campaigns about the best resources to help those in a mental health crisis.
Mental health advocates should educate BIPOC communities about non-acute mental health conditions.
Conduct outreach in places where people traditionally relax and feel comfortable might help normalize the conversation.
According to Mental Health America, There Are Different Beliefs About Mental Health Within Different BIPOC Communities that are worth noting:
Communities of Black / Africa American descent
In this community, seeking mental health care can be seen as a sign of spiritual or moral weakness. Some people may think that if their ancestors survived slavery and segregation, their mental health struggles seem insignificant in comparison.
Communities of Indigenous descent
Communities of Indigenous descent may fear being perceived as weak if they are experiencing mental health challenges. Because of their close family ties and collectivist worldview, they may worry that seeking help would bring shame to their family and impact their family’s status within the community.
Communities of Latin / Hispanic descent
In this community, people may tend to be more private, keeping them from discussing mental health concerns with others. Many people in the Latin/Hispanic community are familiar with the phrase “la ropa sucia se lava en casa,” similar to the phrase, “don’t air your dirty laundry in public.” Because of their religious affiliations, some people may also believe that demons or sinful behavior are the cause of mental health conditions.
Communities of Asian American / Pacific Islander descent
The pressure of the “model minority myth” can contribute to stigma for communities of Asian American/Pacific Islander descent. People from this community may believe that they need to live up to expectations of achievement and success, and that experiencing mental health challenges would deem them incapable of doing so. Sharing their mental health challenges with someone outside of the family might also be considered a betrayal and bring shame to the family.
Communities of multiracial descent
Multiracial individuals may have to navigate different types of stigma from the multiple ethnic communities they are a part of. They may also experience alienation from communities they are a part of if they are not perceived as “enough” of a given race/ethnicity. This isolation can make it more difficult to speak up about mental health challenges.
Communities of Arab and Middle Eastern descent
In this community, mental health challenges can be considered a personal failure. People from communities of Arab and Middle Eastern descent may fear being labeled as someone with a mental health condition because it could potentially alienate them from their friends and families. They may also be influenced by religious beliefs that a mental health condition is a form of spiritual punishment.
How you can be a safe space for BIPOC Communities & Mental Health
1. Share your story to fight the stigmas about mental health
2. Connect with Physical Health to break the ice on mental health signs and symptoms
3. Use words that embrace support, acceptance, and feel comfortable, including words that you may use or understand in other languages than English
4. Normalize the conversations surrounding mental health
More Resources and Information can be found at:
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