While it can be difficult for most Americans to get proper mental health care, studies are showing it’s even harder for diverse and minority populations.
Minorities face more challenges …
While everyone faces the same obstacles in seeking mental health care — long wait times, difficulties finding specialists taking new patients, expensive hourly rates, deductibles and copayments — the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says racial, ethnic, gender and sexual minorities can face these additional hurdles:
- Cultural stigma surrounding mental health care
- Non-culturally aware providers
- Language barriers
- Insurance difficulties
- Lower ability to afford care
Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in 10 children in America, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. NAMI says nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Series’ Office of Minority Health, minorities are even less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness. They also face less access to and availability of mental health services
… And shoulder a bigger burden
Sadly, diverse populations often carry a higher burden of disability from mental disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that depression rates are actually higher in whites (34.7 percent) than blacks (24.6 percent) and Hispanics (19.6 percent). But depression in blacks and Hispanics tends to be more persistent.
These issues have been long-standing, considering that in 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives proclaimed July as National Minority Mental Health Month to improve access to mental health treatment and services through increased public awareness.
During this month, the Office of Minority Health encourages families and friends to learn more about improving mental health and illness and start talking openly about the challenges to help remove the stigma.
Need help now?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
National Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
National Hopeline Network 1-800-422-4673 (1-800-422-HOPE)
Youth America Hotline 1-877-968-8454 (1-877-YOUTHLINE)
The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LBGTQ youth 1-866-488-7386
Crisis Text Line Text CONNECT to 741741