The Importance of BIPOC Mental Health
Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP
In the last decade or so, attitudes in the US regarding the importance of mental health have shifted. According to a 2019 study by Universal Health Services, a large majority of Americans (71%) agree that mental and physical health should be considered equally important. In fact, nearly all respondents (96%) agreed that mental health conditions represented legitimate medical illnesses (United Health Services, 2019). This attitude shift is significant, and yet, despite the public's recognition of the importance of mental health, BIPOC and other marginalized communities are often left out of the conversation.
Lack of awareness regarding BIPOC mental health further reinforces racial inequity by ignoring significant systemic issues that hinder equitable mental health treatment. As a result, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC and other marginalized groups. Recognizing the importance of BIPOC mental health and taking steps to prioritize it is essential for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
Understanding Mental Health Disparities
BIPOC individuals experience mental health disparities due to various factors, including historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing systemic racism. These factors may contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions within these communities. Although anyone can experience mental health challenges regardless of their ethnic or racial background, racism and discrimination can make receiving appropriate mental health care more difficult (Gurley, 2022). Additionally, experiencing racism and discrimination, whether overt or as a microaggression, can lead to higher levels of stress. Two separate analyses of existing studies examined the link between perceived discrimination and various physical conditions. Both analyses concluded that discrimination was a stressor that negatively impacted health and morbidity, particularly hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The studies showed that discrimination is associated with an increased incidence of mental illness, violence, poverty, and inequities in the quality of treatment and access to healthcare, all of which impact physical and mental health (James-Bayly, 2022).
It is also important to understand that many members of BIPOC communities deal with stress and trauma stemming from specific socioeconomic struggles that impact the everyday lives of the community. In a 2021 report by HHS, it was found that persistent systemic social inequities and discrimination worsened stress and associated mental health concerns for People of Color during the COVID-19 pandemic (Gurley, 2022). However, the stigma surrounding mental health within many cultures can discourage individuals from seeking help, further exacerbating the problem.
The stigma toward mental health treatment among many marginalized communities is another barrier that contributes to mental health disparities. These negative stigmas can make it difficult for people to feel comfortable discussing and exploring personal feelings or experiences. Because these communities have had to historically overcome adversities such as slavery or colonization, it is often expected that one should address issues such as anxiety and depression with resilience and perseverance. Even though efforts to destigmatize mental health have been ongoing, there is still a lot of work to be done within the BIPOC communities (Gurley, 2022). These hurdles further highlight mental health disparities in the US.
The Intersection of Identity and Mental Health
BIPOC individuals often face the intersectionality of multiple identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, which can impact their mental health experiences. For example, women within the BIPOC community may face additional challenges and discrimination as a result of sexism, leading to higher rates of mental health issues. Recognizing and addressing these intersecting identities is crucial for providing inclusive and comprehensive mental health care.
Breaking Down Barriers
To prioritize BIPOC mental health, it is essential to identify and dismantle the barriers that prevent access to equitable and quality care. These barriers include cultural stigma, linguistic differences, lack of representation in mental health professionals, and financial constraints. As previously mentioned, stigma toward mental health treatment may cause a barrier for people who need help. However, differences in language and cultural beliefs may also act as a deterrent for people seeking treatment. It can be frustrating trying to communicate or understand various medical and mental health terminology that is not a familiar part of a person’s cultural background. Terms like “anxiety” or “depression" do not always translate well in other languages. In fact, these words are absent from many Native and Indigenous languages. However, other expressions, such as "ghost sickness" or "heartbreak syndrome," are used instead (Gurley, 2022). These cultural and linguistic differences may be challenging to manage if the provider is unfamiliar with specific cultural norms. For this reason, representation and cultural competence among mental health professionals are sorely needed (Gurley, 2022).
Other barriers to mental health care include systematic racism and discrimination, which have caused a lack of access to care and treatment throughout BIPOC communities. For example, poverty and unemployment are often a direct result of racial bias and discrimination. These issues can lead to several challenges, including lack of health insurance, limited availability of providers, lack of transportation to therapy appointments, and the full spectrum of mental illnesses that result from living in poverty. These factors highlight the direct impact that lack of access has on the mental health needs of the community (Gurley, 2022). By increasing diversity in mental health providers, promoting culturally competent care, and offering affordable services, we can begin to bridge these gaps and provide equitable support for BIPOC individuals.
Culturally Competent Mental Health Care
Culturally competent mental health care involves understanding and respecting the unique cultural, social, and historical backgrounds of BIPOC individuals. Cultural competency requires mental health providers to be aware of the cultural factors influencing their clients' experiences and tailor treatment approaches accordingly. Culturally appropriate care helps build trust, improve communication, and ensure that mental health services are effective and relevant to the specific needs of BIPOC individuals.
Additionally, having broader representation and providers that are a part of BIPOC communities is crucial for providing patients with an empathetic understanding of their unique experiences. It is also essential that all counselors have cultural competence training to close the gap between diverse providers and the BIPOC communities they serve. When providers begin to explore and understand how cultural identity and intersectionality factor into providing the best level of care, it can empower BIPOC individuals to seek mental health treatment.
Promoting the mental well-being of the BIPOC community is an essential step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive society. By recognizing the mental health disparities these communities face, breaking down barriers to care, and providing culturally competent support, we can address the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals. Prioritizing BIPOC mental health not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a healthier and more compassionate society. By fostering understanding, empathy, and support, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to the resources and care they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Sources
Crawford, J. (2019). UHS Releases Results of Poll Examining Americans’ Perceptions on Mental Health. Universal Health Services, Inc.
Gurley, S. K. (2021). BIPOC Mental Health Trends and Disparities. Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
James-Bayly, S. (2022). Microaggressions: How and why do they impact health? MedicalNewsToday.