National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July was designated as the?Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?by the U.S. House of Representatives, and it was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face with respect to mental health and illness in the US. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health impacts how we think, feel and act, as well as how we handle stress, the choices we make, and how we relate and connect with others. Due to multiple factors, racial and ethnic minorities often have poor mental health outcomes; these factors include lack of access to quality mental health care services, stigma around mental health and care, discrimination, and lack of awareness about mental health. “In 2021, it is estimated that only 39% of Black or African American adults, 25 percent of Asian Adults, and 36% of Hispanic/Latino Adults with any mental illness were treated, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic white adults.” (HHS.gov)

Some other mental health “Fast Facts” (NAMI):

1 in 5?U.S. adults experience mental illness each year?1 in 6?U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year?Suicide is the?2nd?leading?cause of death among people aged 10-14.

Mental health affects us all, and everyone should be able to access treatment and have the right to heal without stigma, judgement or shame. It’s okay to talk about suicide! It’s okay to talk about depression, anxiety, and trauma.

?

#ShadesofMentalHealth recognizes and celebrates the rich diversity and uniqueness within the mental health community. It encourages inclusivity, empathy and understanding while striving for more equitable and culturally competent approaches to mental health support and care. (NAMI)

?

Spectrum Health Service offers safe spaces for communities of color, who most often bear the greatest health burdens and barriers to health, care, and safety. We seek to empower, uplift, and heal through integrated care teams using evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care. Call Spectrum Health or speak with your medical provider today about seeing a member of our behavioral health team!

?

Sources: NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness); HHS (US Department of Health & Human Services)