“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” Audre Lorde at Harvard, 1982
Since 2008, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month has been honored in July, a month to celebrate the warmth of understanding and resilience within our diverse communities. It has since been a time to acknowledge and explore issues concerning mental health in minority communities, destigmatizing mental illness, and enhancing public awareness of mental illness among affected minority groups across the U.S. More than ever, this month marks a rallying cry for compassion and connection. As we consider our understanding of community with the 4th of July and a presidential election looming, this month takes on even greater significance. This isn’t just about statistics or dates on a calendar; it’s about weaving a vibrant tapestry of life for ourselves and each other, where every thread, every voice, and every struggle can be heard and supported.
Studies suggest that racial minority groups and sexual minority groups show higher levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders. Unfortunately, in most of the cases, society’s deep-rooted prejudice towards minority groups is a major source feeding feelings of rejection, estrangement, and harassment. Moreover, immigration status, economic conditions, education access, and healthcare disparities are just a few differences that can adversely impact people’s quality of life in the U.S.
We acknowledge Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July for several reasons:
- Addressing Disparities: It sheds light on the significant disparities that exist in mental health care access and outcomes among minority communities. Minorities often face barriers such as cultural stigma, lack of culturally competent care, and systemic inequalities that impact their mental health.
- Increasing Awareness: By raising awareness, the month encourages open conversations about mental health within minority communities and among the general population. This helps reduce stigma and promotes early detection and treatment.
- Promoting Cultural Competence: It emphasizes the importance of culturally competent mental health care. Culturally sensitive approaches are essential for understanding and addressing the unique cultural, linguistic, and social needs of minority groups, improving treatment effectiveness.
- Advocacy and Support: It highlights the need for policies and programs that support mental health equity and access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of background.
- Empowering Communities: It empowers minority communities to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. By sharing stories and resources, individuals are encouraged to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and support each other in managing mental health challenges.
This month, we challenge ourselves and our community to consider the intersectionality of our struggles to live our best lives; acknowledging and understanding the interconnected layers of identity and social categories that shape each person’s experiences. Recognizing systematic disparity in mental health is a foundational step for us in providing empathetic, multicultural-minded care we hope to provide for an empathetic, multicultural-minded community.
So as July’s heat begins to simmer, let’s not allow multicultural awareness to cool. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is just one opportunity to shine a light on the unique challenges and strengths within our diverse communities. Actively listening to marginalized voices, recognizing and challenging one’s own biases, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices will spread empathy like sunshine and break down barriers like a cool breeze on a hot day. Together, we can make every month a time to celebrate mental health, diversity, and the power of compassion.
Jacob Flum, Graduate Student Intern, Iluminate Therapy & Wellness Northwestern University, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
