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Minority Mental Health awareness month
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Minorities experience a unique generational trauma from racial prejudice and oppression, affecting mental health in profound ways. As minorities, many of us have experienced it at one time or another. Prejudice, which refers to the generalized beliefs about certain groups, can profoundly impact mental health, especially when negative generalizations prevail. These harmful stereotypes can only be dismantled through personal connections and understanding.
Oppression, whether systemic, intentional, or covert, suppresses one group for the benefit of another and leaves lasting scars. Recognizing this, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a call to action—not just to seek mental health care, but to understand the signs of mental illness, differentiate between acute and chronic conditions, and provide support to those at risk.
Racism is rooted in the belief that one race must dominate while others are inferior. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared racism as one of the biggest threats to public health. Health professionals classify disorders associated with racism as Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS). Acute or short-term stress, such as anxiety about a new workgroup or an unintentional prejudicial remark, for the most part, may be manageable. However, chronic perceptions of racism, which are open-ended and without resolution, such as harms, threats, or challenges, increase stress levels. RBTS can lead to mental and physical disorders, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, headaches, sleep disorders, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders, and substance abuse.
RBTS arises from real or perceived experiences of race discrimination. Living in an impoverished environment with a lack of services and high crime creates adverse outcomes. Yet some people at risk avoid these outcomes, demonstrating resilience – the ability to adapt and grow despite obstacles. Some might argue that the perception of racism is overrated. These resilient individuals often have access to resources and relationships that support positive outcomes.
Many minority communities lack support systems to foster resilience. There is usually a lack of mental health resources available to those in need. In most minority communities, there is a stigma associated with obtaining mental health care, a narrative that needs to change. There is often a shortage of mental health resources and a stigma around obtaining mental health care. Additionally, there is a lack of minority psychologists and psychiatrists. Finding a mental health professional familiar with your culture or understanding your experiences is crucial, as those without cultural competency can provide ineffective treatment.
As part of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we need to be able to recognize a mental health crisis. The abandonment of DEI programs, economic conditions, witnessing violent events, disinvestment in minority communities, and social media bullying have increased mental health crises in these communities. Some telling signs that someone is having a mental crisis include the inability to perform basic hygienic tasks, mood swings, increased agitation, abusive behavior, isolation, paranoia, and delusional thinking. If someone you know is having a mental health crisis, always remember to stay calm, listen actively, avoid arguments, do not try to control them, avoid leaving them alone, and encourage them to seek professional help.
Ultimately, with proper support systems, emotional fragility can transform into resilience. Resilient individuals are not born that way. It’s a characteristic that is learned and practiced over time. They tend to be confident, self-compassionate, and assertive. One of the most significant steps on the road to resiliency is always to allow time in your busy schedule to collect your thoughts; it’s a practice that reduces anxiety and allows one to ‘respond’ instead of ‘react’ to adverse situations.
This month, evaluate your stress levels and support those around you. The life you save may be your own.