Help us keep the conversation going!

Last week we talked about getting the conversation started on an individual basis. With July being Minority Mental Health Month, it reminds us that such conversations often are avoided on a larger-scale community basis as well.

Last year, in connection with Minority Mental Health Month, the organization Mental Health America (MHA) asked: How does your community talk about mental health or mental illness? The most common answer they received was that people don’t talk about it at all, especially in minority communities. This year, MHA is working to get that conversation started through its #MyStoryMyWay campaign.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), members of minority groups often don’t get proper care for a variety of reasons, including:

• A lack of availability

• Transportation issues

• Difficulty finding childcare

• Having to take time off work

• The belief that mental health treatment “doesn’t work”

• The high level of mental health stigma in minority populations

• Racism, bias and discrimination in treatment settings

• Language barriers

• A lack of adequate health insurance coverage

The good news is that affordable mental health services are available. For anyone who is having trouble finding treatment and counseling for mental health issues, here are eight ways to find affordable help.

Within minority communities, caregivers also often face barriers and can feel especially overwhelmed and isolated. Therapy and counseling can be a big help for caregivers who are struggling with tough decisions and battling to keep their spirits up. 

As we all work to remove the stigma from mental health awareness, we must also work to remove the obstacles often faced by minorities in getting needed support.

Help us to keep the conversation going!

Kristi

Kristi Horner
Founder and Executive Director