Today October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Last week marked Mental Illness Awareness Week.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental health in an unequal world’. While the pandemic has affected everyone, people with long term health conditions, or facing discrimination, parenting on their own, or youth are struggling the most and need more support.
We live in an unequal world. Stigma. Discrimination. Lack of support. Limited access to healthcare and welfare. This is inequality. And it must change!
Negative attitudes and beliefs towards people who live with mental health conditions is pervasive within the U.S. and can be particularly strong within the African-American community. One study showed that 63% of African-Americans believe that a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness. As a result, people may experience shame about having a mental illness and worry that they may be discriminated against due to their condition. We need to break the stigma around it, and let our community know the importance of speaking out when struggling with a mental health issue. Together we can make a difference!
Barriers that prevent many African Americans from seeking mental health services
- High Costs Of Mental Health
- Familial Shame Around Mental Health
- Cultural Stigma Of Mental Illness
- Lack of Diversity In Healthcare
- Poor Competency Among Non-Black Clinicians
Stats
Between 75% and 95% of people with mental health issues in impoverished and developing communities do not have access to any mental health services.
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the world, affecting 284 million people. (Our World in Data, 2018).
National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 17% of youth ages
6-17 are affected by a mental health condition and that 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.
Black and African American people are more often diagnosed with schizophrenia and less often diagnosed with mood disorders compared to white people with the same symptoms.
Activities to help with mental health
- Talk to someone about it.
- Practice self-care through exercise, meditation, journaling, and healthy eating.
- Take a mental health self-assessment.
Resources
- Escapevelocityfoundation.com/
resources - Nami.org
- Therapy for Black Girls: online space encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls; referral tool to find a therapist in your area
- Therapy for Black Men:Â primarily a therapist directory for Black men seeking therapy; includes some resources and stories.
- CA Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-843-5200
- Text Crisis Hotline: Text HOME (741741)
- Sacramento Mental Health Resources: Call 211 or email info@211sacramento.org
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