Raising Critical Awareness for Minority Mental Health Through Career Services

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, recently observed in July, is an important time for colleges and universities to focus on promoting mental health and wellness among students from diverse backgrounds. But it can’t stop there. Career services professionals play a critical role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of college students.?

As students navigate the challenges of academic and professional development, they may experience stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. The career center can serve as a valuable resource for students, providing support, guidance, and referrals for mental health services and resources.?

Understanding mental health among minority students

Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, and college students from underrepresented groups may be at higher risk for mental health concerns due to a variety of factors, including discrimination, stigma, and lack of access to resources. Check out these mental health statistics about college students from underrepresented groups:

1. Black and Latino students are more likely to experience mental health concerns than their white peers, according to a study by the Jed Foundation .

2. LGBTQ+ students are at higher risk for mental health concerns, with 61% reporting anxiety and 49% reporting depression, according to a study by the American College Health Association . Research by The Trevor Project revealed that “LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.”

3. Native American college students have the highest suicide rate of any racial or ethnic group, according to the American Indian College Fund .

4. Asian American college students are less likely to seek mental health services than their peers, according to a study by the Asian American Psychological Association .

5. Students with disabilities may experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to the challenges of navigating college with a disability, according to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness .

These statistics highlight the importance of promoting mental health and wellness among college students from underrepresented groups and the need for career services professionals to provide support, guidance, and resources to help students navigate the challenges of academic and professional development.

Here are some tips for observing National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and promoting mental health and wellness on your campus.

Connect with Students

Connecting with students is an essential part of promoting mental health and wellness. Take the time to get to know your students, understand their unique backgrounds and experiences, and create a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable seeking support. Encourage open dialogue and provide resources and referrals for mental health support and services.

Provide Education and Training

Providing education and training on mental health and wellness is an important way to promote awareness and reduce stigma. Offer workshops, webinars, and other educational opportunities to help students understand the impact of mental health on their academic and professional success. Provide training for faculty and staff on supporting mental health and wellness among students from diverse backgrounds.

Foster a Culture of Inclusion

Fostering a culture of inclusion is essential for promoting mental health and wellness among students from diverse backgrounds. Encourage collaboration, diversity, and open dialogue, and provide opportunities for students to participate in DEI initiatives. Create a safe and welcoming environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.

Promote Self-Care and Stress Management

Promoting self-care and stress management is an important way to support mental health and wellness among students. Provide resources and referrals for self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, and exercise. Encourage students to prioritize self-care activities, take breaks, and seek support when needed.

Engage in Community Outreach

Engaging in community outreach is an important way to promote mental health and wellness among students from diverse backgrounds. Partner with local organizations and nonprofits to promote mental health awareness and support, and participate in community events and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. This can help to enhance your brand position on mental health and DEI and demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility.

By connecting with students, providing education and training, fostering a culture of inclusion, promoting self-care and stress management, and engaging in community outreach, you can help to create a campus that supports the mental health and wellbeing of all students, regardless of their background or identity.

—

Be sure to check out the CareerShift blog for more great resources.