Why is Minority Mental Health Month Important?
By NaTyshca Pickett
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is commemorated in July to bring awareness to the unique problems that racial and ethnic minority populations experience regarding mental illness in the United States.
African Americans - Mental and Behavioral Health
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Minority Health:
When it comes to blacks or African Americans ages 15 to 24, suicide was the second biggest cause of death in 2019.
For black or African American men, the suicide rate was four times greater than for African American women in 2018.
In 2018, the total suicide rate for the black or African American population was 60% lower than the non-Hispanic white population.
In 2019, black females in grades 9-12 were 60% more likely than non-Hispanic white females of the same age to attempt suicide.
A person's mental health is influenced by his or her socioeconomic standing. Black or African Americans living below the poverty line are twice as likely to experience major psychological discomfort as those in the upper echelons of the socioeconomic spectrum.
Between 1980 and 1995, the suicide rate among African Americans aged 10 to 14 rose by 233 percent, while it remained constant among non-Hispanic whites at 120 percent, according to a report from the US Surgeon General.
History of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Health Awareness Month was the brainchild of Bebe Moore Campbell. As a co-founder of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Urban Los Angeles, she worked tirelessly to improve mental health education and facilities in underprivileged communities. To eradicate stigma and make mental health facilities available to everyone, Campbell and her companion Linda Wharton-Boyd set out in 2005.
It was suggested by Wharton-Boyd that a month be set aside for the project. The notion of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was developed by two friends who worked together. As a result of the intervention of the Department of Mental Health, Anthony Williams convened a press conference to urge residents to seek mental health care.
People instantly grasped the significance of the month and jumped on board with gusto. A National Minority Mental Health Taskforce of healthcare providers, patients, friends, and allies was formed as a result of their efforts. However, when Campbell was diagnosed with cancer, the efforts came to a halt. In the wake of her death, advocates like Wharton-Boyd have re-ignited the conversation around National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Campbell's efforts will not be in useless, it was decided. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2006 with the backing of Representatives Albert Wynn and Diane Watson after a thorough investigation of the issue.
Why is this Month Important?
It can save lives - Every year, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month uses prompt assistance and a strong network of allies to save hundreds of vulnerable lives.
Improves the world around us - For individuals who have been historically overlooked, this effort was started with the goal of making the world a better and more inclusive place.
It reduces the stigma around mental health concerns - Despite the prevalence of mental health concerns, there is a lot of discrimination and stigma. For those who are struggling, this month's goal is to combat the spread of disinformation.
How you can Observe Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Help someone in need - Encourage someone to seek professional assistance if you believe they require mental health care and attention. They can receive resources from you.
Give and offer to help - Minority groups' mental healthcare facilities are constantly in need of funding and volunteers. To help, you can offer a financial contribution or even your time.
Show compassion for one another - People with mental illnesses can be helped a lot by having compassion and being kind. Give a friend a listening ear and let them know you care about them.