Opening Statement:
As all of us should agree, mental health is important for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. A recent study showed, there is over 7-million Black and African- Americans living with mental illness in the United States today, and unfortunately only one in three Blacks are getting the treatment that they need. It is certain as Americans, we need to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in communities of color in the United States. It is also important to acknowledge the historical barriers and inequalities that have excluded appropriate treatment.
About this Awareness:
National Minority Mental Health Month is observed in July as a nationwide effort developed by Mental Health America. It hopes to bring to attention the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. The month also takes into consideration the unfair inequities such as systemic and historical barriers that negatively impact a person’s mental health. The concerns and traumas faced by the marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised people are unique and need to be addressed as such. It is important to have professional and empathetic mental health caregivers to help overcome mental health issues and faulty diagnoses.
History Of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
· Bebe Moore Campbell was the driving force behind National Minority Health Awareness Month. She was an author, advocate, co-founder of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Urban Los Angeles who actively campaigned for mental health education and improving mental healthcare facilities in impoverished communities. In 2005, Campbell and her friend, Linda Wharton-Boyd decided it was time to end stigma and make mental health facilities accessible for everyone. Wharton-Boyd suggested dedicating a month to the effort. The two friends worked together to develop the concept of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and what it would entail. The Department of Mental Health stepped in and Anthony Williams held a news conference to encourage residents to get mental health checkups.
· The importance of the month was quickly realized and people started to join the cause wholeheartedly. The two of them held book signings, spoke in churches, and created a National Minority Mental Health Taskforce of healthcare workers, patients, friends, and allies. However, the efforts came to a standstill when Campbell was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away soon after but Wharton-Boyd and other advocates for National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month reignited their cause. It was decided that Campbell’s efforts would not go in vain. The group researched and obtained the support of Representatives Albert Wynn and Diane Watson who signed legislation to create an official National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2006.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Timeline:
1100 B.C. - First Record
Mental health illness is first recorded in Ancient China.
1856 - Birth of Freud
The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud is born in the Czech Republic.
Early 20th Century - Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is developed to understand mental disorders.
World War II - The DSM
The first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) comes into existence.
How To Observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month:
Help Someone in Need
If you feel someone needs mental health care and attention, encourage them to seek help from professionals. You can send resources their way.
Donate And Volunteer
Mental healthcare facilities in minority communities are always in need of funds and volunteers. You can donate money or even volunteer your time to help.
Be Kind
Empathy and kindness go a long way in helping those with mental illnesses. Lend an ear to a friend and let them know that you care about their well-being.
Why National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Is Important:
It Saves Lives
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month saves hundreds of vulnerable lives every year with timely help and a supportive network of allies.
Makes The World A Better Place
This initiative was started with the genuine hope of making the world a better and more inclusive place for everyone, especially those who have been historically neglected.
It Destigmatizes Mental Health Issues
There’s a lot of prejudice and stigma surrounding mental health issues. This month aims to fight misinformation so that those who are struggling don’t feel left out.
Closing Statement:
While doing research and learning so much about this subject, I was amazed with what I learned. Unfortunately, there is a high amount of stigma associated with mental health in communities of color in the United States. According to a recent survey, 63% of people of color in the US believe that poor mental health is a stigma of personal weakness. There is also a lack of cultural understanding that affects people of color receiving mental health treatments. Black and African-American individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and less diagnosed with mood disorders compared to non-persons of color with the same symptoms. Blacks are also less likely to be offered medication or therapy than White peers with the same symptoms and diagnoses as well. Another factor is, access to proper healthcare and adequate insurance also prevent people of color from getting the help they need. Another recent study revealed that 11.5% of Blacks were uninsured in recent years vs. 7.5% of Whites. In addition, 12.3% of Black and African American adults who visited the doctor had difficulty getting access to follow-up care vs. 6.8% of White adults.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
Comments