July is minority mental health awareness month

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – In a time when racial equity is the focus of many discussions, one thing is certain: Mental health conditions are color blind. Anyone – of any ethnicity – can experience the challenge of mental illness. What is inequitable, however, is access to mental health treatment. That is why Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008.

Every July, Minority Mental Health Awareness focuses on the mental health struggles that are unique to people of color. Examples including getting therapy for an undocumented child who has experienced trauma, obtaining a mental health diagnosis for a teen in an inner city, or intervening for a young adult who is contemplating suicide because she feels stigmatized for living in a marginalized community.

Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness spoke in 2020, “The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.”

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has reported that “racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments, and more likely to receive lower quality care. Poor mental health care access and quality of care contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, among racial and ethnic minority populations.”

If your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Many times, a young person will exhibit clear warnings signs prior to an attempt. By knowing the warning signs, and knowing how to help, you could save a life.

Visit The Jason Foundation’s website to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs, and how you can help make a difference. The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community, or individual for the use of their programs or resources. Visit http://www.jasonfoundation.com for more information.

Submitted by The Jason Foundation.