May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with that focus comes the opportunity to further promote health and wellness, not only throughout the general population but also in terms of fighting against the stigma that exists surrounding mental health issues within the Black and Hispanic communities. According to the Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health, Washington D.C. is slightly higher than the national average when it comes to the amount of mental illness within the population. Out of D.C.’s population, 19.32% or 102,000 people are currently living with a mental illness.
Why The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health For Minorities?
When it comes to minorities, there is less acceptance overall of mental health. This is due to a variety of reasons. For Black Americans, it can often be linked to a general distrust of the medical establishment and feeling unable to come forward and ask for help, or a lack of resources to get help. In many instances, the distrust of doctors and medical professionals in general goes back generations, beginning in the time of slavery. For the Hispanic community, it can be due to a similar distrust in medicine as well, but can also have the additional difficulty of a language barrier. With both groups, seeing mental illness as a lack of faith persists, which also hinders individuals from seeking the help they need, feeling as if doing so would mean they don’t have enough faith.
How to Promote Health and Wellness in Minority Communities?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to promoting increased awareness in minority communities. However, there are several organizations that are committed to helping raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. One such event has already taken place this year. “Beyond the Stigma, Barriers and Breakthroughs in Black Mental Health” was a virtual health webinar that promoted engagement and discussion among policy experts, community activists, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and industry leaders. This webinar addressed solutions to systematic barriers to care, and other mental health-related issues.
Ways to Promote Health and Wellness and Break the Stigma
The following are some general ways that community leaders and activists can join with organizations to promote health and wellness throughout minority communities, breaking the stigma associated with treating mental health disorders:
- Education: First and foremost, it’s important to understand the science behind mental health. This is no place for judgment or fear. Instead, offer education on self-care strategies and guide individuals to community support networks. Anything can be scary if it is unknown; bringing knowledge of mental illness into the picture shines light on these common issues.
- Share Information: Awareness is key, and this comes about through the dispersion of information. This includes sharing available resources with those in the community experiencing issues with mental health. Getting the word out in the community where they can go to safely get the help they need without judgment is immensely important.
- Recognize Microaggressions: Minorities deal with issues daily that can lead them to feel “less than.” This includes snubs, insults, and slights, sometimes put on them unintentionally (though intention is there for some). This can make it difficult for minorities to trust helpful resources and information they are receiving. It’s important to combine awareness and information with a deep understanding and kindness towards these groups, which will promote trust and openness.
There is Hope
Mental illness is a big problem in the United States. Thankfully, there is hope, even for those in minority communities who might not be aware of the many resources they have available to them. Make every effort this month to spread awareness, kindness, and acceptance of mental illness while continuing to promote health and wellness throughout Washington D.C.
Featured image/photo by Emily Underworld on Unsplash.