It has been a rollercoaster week. If you read about me, I'm a full time student, employee and mom so some days are rather long and draining than others. But, I've committed myself to this blog so, lets do this!
I wanted to give you guys some statistics regarding minority health to give you an idea and inform you as well as some background as to why it is so difficult to seek help. According to statistics from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), for children and teens 50% of lifetime cases regarding mental illness start at age 14 and 75% at 24. Around age 14 is the ending of Junior High and start of High School. If that is not self explanatory, transitioning from a middle school to high school is stressful for a child that age. From trying to fit in, to being picked on or even not having enough friends. Age 24 however can have its range of factors. If having completed college, not getting a job right after or not going to college and feeling behind because your fellow high school classmates have graduated or may even being going to graduate school right after. Being in these age ranges its frowned upon to have an illness. Teens who are LGBTQ are 2-3 times more likely to commit suicide than straight you. Insane.
In minority adults however, 16.3% of hispanics, 18.6% of blacks, 13.9% asian and 28.3% of American Indian are living with mental health conditions. In the LGBTQ, they are 2x more likely as straights to have mental health conditions. While 11% of transgender are denied care for mental health due to bias or discrimination.
From 2008-2012 regarding use of mental health services,
10.3% Black women took advantage of theirs than 6.6% Black men15.1% American Indian men than 15.1% American Indian woman
5.3% of Asian woman more than 4.4% of Asian men and lastly
9.2% of Hispanic woman than 5.5% of Hispanic men.
These statistics blow my mind. And there are just entirely too many factors as to why we don't seek counseling or help. I've broken down the most popular causes. Main issues that cause minorities not to seek advisement or counseling regarding their mental state:
Lack of available providers
Transportation to and from sessions
Discrimination
Having services that align with their needs
Stigma within their community
People of color are not commensurate with representation in poverty. Either below poverty level or above. A lack of resources in general puts a strain on anyone who does not know where to go or who to speak to in order for them to get the help they need. Some bounce from poverty to just above it, in which poverty in itself causes depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Those that are fortunate enough to have health coverage and may have feelings as if you're having panic attacks, having symptoms of depression etc, would initially make a visit with their family care physician (if they have one and hopefully they do), after speaking with their doctor, they suggest they take a medication for treatment while they refer them to a specialist in that field. More often than not, their PCP will either:
Prescribes a medication and sends you to a referring physician for treatment and you go to your initial appointment with that specialist (more likely than not it will be a psychiatrist)
Prescribes a medication with a referring specialist but you don't hear from the specialist
Prescribes you a medication with no referral to a specialist
Lastly, your pcp tells you to change your lifestyle and follow-up in some months or next year.
Now, lets make as though we've received option 1, when we go to this specialist we are already walking in at odds. Why? Because in our community the stigma of seeking help outside of the Lord, your home, church or community in general is seen as disloyal. I've heard so many times "why in the hell would you want a stranger in yours or our business?". After meeting with this specialist, you think "did this person even relate to anything i've felt or said? Probably not because they aren't [insert Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), or Asian]". And you know what? It's the truth! Most health care professionals who are trained in mental health are not trained to treat certain demographics. Others who have received option 1 stop going to seek counsel for other reasons being discrimination or racism from that professional or their staff which creates stress responses and even traumatic responses that lead to some type of withdrawal wanting help.
Not having available resources creates even more stress on someones life and roadblocks them from completing treatment. Not having transportation to and from appointments not to mention if you have children or are caring for an ill parent, spouse or child, finding sitter coverage that won't cost you is hard enough. These instances hinder some from getting or completing treatment for their illness. Adding in the mix of the stigma regarding being open about mental illness or disorders, most minorities are reluctant to discuss that with their family, friends or peers let alone their providers.
I believe the best way to break this stigma is to bring awareness within our communities. Let it be known that being diagnosed with any illness or disorder does NOT define who YOU ARE as a person. Having a disorder or illness does not change you unless you allow non supporting people get to you. Being an advocate for your community is the best first step. Knowing the road to getting those to recognize this is a problem and it is quite alright to get help may take some time but I'm here until the stigma is broken. If you are having trouble being open about your illness or disorder or maybe you feel you need to seek counsel, comment below or email me and I will help you find the best professional for you. If you do not have the means or money, I will also find a resource to help cover the cost. Where there is a will, there is a way. Don't ever lose sight of faith in Him. (:
I look forward to hearing from you!
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