
July marks National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight the unique challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the United States concerning mental health. Inspired by Bebe Moore Campbell's advocacy to end stigma and improve mental health support for marginalized communities, July was officially designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.
The United States is experiencing diversity and multiculturalism like never before. As of the 2020 Census, over 40% of the population identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), highlighting a rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, as of 2022, 13.9% of the population consists of foreign-born immigrants, adding to the diverse fabric of American society. As our society becomes more diverse, it's important to acknowledge the mental health differences experienced by BIPOC communities. These differences underscore the critical need for fair access to care and support. Let's explore some revealing statistics:

About 23% of adults in the U.S. experience a mental illness (Reinert et al., 2022).
In 2022, Hispanic (40%), Black (38%), and Asian (36%) adults with mental illness were less likely than their White counterparts (56%) to receive mental health services (Ndugga et al., 2024).
Research indicates that the lack of culturally sensitive screening tools and structural barriers may contribute to the underdiagnosis of mental illness among people of color (Ndugga et al., 2024).
Approximately one out of three asylum seekers and refugees experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Turrini et al., 2017). Only about 3% of refugees are referred to mental health services following screening (Song & Teichholtz, n.d.).
Individuals who identify as multiracial (25%) are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to report experiencing mental illness in the past year (MHA, n.d.).
For many minority communities, the stigma surrounding mental health can discourage individuals from seeking assistance. This stigma often originates from historical experiences, cultural norms, misconceptions, and concerns about judgment or misunderstanding.

How can we support mental health in minority communities? We must start with breaking the silence, promoting awareness, and amplifying the voices and lived experiences of such communities. Encourage open dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and promote education about mental health and seeking help. Increasing diversity within the mental health profession by recruiting and supporting BIPOC professionals is crucial. Moreover, we need to develop and implement culturally responsive healing practices that honor diverse backgrounds. This means integrating cultural and historical knowledge, spirituality, and traditional healing techniques into mental health services. An advance directive for mental health care can be a valuable tool for individuals to express their preferences and instructions regarding treatment during times of incapacity. It ensures that their wishes are known and respected by family, friends, and healthcare professionals, promoting autonomy and personalized care in managing mental health challenges.
If you or a loved one is currently having a mental health crisis, please contact:
1. 911 for an emergent circumstance
2. Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 (call or text)
3. Calvert Crisis Response: 1-877-467-5628
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
5. Veteran’s Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
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