July is National Minority Health Awareness Month. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated this month as such in order to raise awareness of mental illness and to improve access to mental health services and treatments for racial and ethnic minority populations.
Here are some statstics that help explain the disparities inherent in mental health among minority populations:
-In 2017, 41.5% of youth ages 12-17 recieved care for a major depressive episode, but onluy 35.1% of black youth and 32.7% of Hispanic youth recieved treatment for their condition.
-African Americans are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress than the rest of the population
-Asain American adults are less likely to use mental health services than any other racial/ethnic group.
-Among young adults ages 18-24, Native Americans have higher rates of suicide than any other ethnicity and higher rates than the general population.
-LGBTQ+ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder in thier lifetime.
While any person from any background can suffer from a mental health disorder, minority groups suffer real barriers to getting help. These include lack of healthcare coverage, language barriers, mental health stigmas, and cultural beliefs.
If you or a loved one is direclty facing the challanges of suffering from a mental health disorder and/or getting treatment for said mental health disorder, know that there is help for you.
We at PPWH are commited to serving individuals from all backgrounds and encourage you to reach out to us if you are in need of support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/minority-mental-health/index.html
https://nationaltoday.com/national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month/
