Yetunde Dosu
In honor of the conclusion of July, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we at CFHJ would like to share a piece that touches upon mental health. As a health communications blog, we recognize the need for proper communication practices surrounding mental health, which can sometimes be neglected across different ethnic groups. We hope that with added awareness, more people begin to have open dialogue about mental health in underrepresented communities.
Though centered around fictional figures, this piece features characters who are struggling with mental health issues.
We understand that this piece may be triggering to some so we ask that you use your discretion before continuing.
Pedro’s family recently moved to the United States from Nicaragua. One of the reasons that prompted the move was a fire that burned down much of the family home. Though nobody was seriously injured, 9 year old Pedro has nightmares and often gets flashbacks of the fire. Adjusting to the many changes in their lives, many in his family fail to realize the ways in which Pedro is struggling. The young boy is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a disorder that can occur in those who have experienced traumatic events..
Kevin is a first generation American teenager. His parents are originally from China and often talk to him about the importance of him doing well in school. While trying to juggle academics and sports, Kevin also feels pressure from his peers who often refer to him as “perfect.” On what seems like a normal day, Kevin begins to have a panic attack. He later learns he has anxiety, a condition that involves an individual feeling excessive nervousness and apprehension.
Adhira moved to the United States from India six months ago. Shortly after she left, she learned she lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. She also has struggled to adjust to her new job and develop a social life in America. After the loss of her parents, she began feeling a sense of hopeless and stayed in bed a majority of the time. She learned she had depression, a serious mental disorder that causes an individual to feel despondent. Fearing what others in her family would think of her, Adhira did not seek help until late in her depression and it negatively affected her quality of life.
Why Stress the Importance of Mental Health in Minority Communities:
Mental health refers to the emotional and behavioral wellbeing of an individual. Proper mental health practices enable individuals to properly cope with challenges that come with life. However, if an individual fails to get proper treatment for mental health disorders, it can affect their quality of life and potentially be life threatening.
The Department of Health and Human Services has detailed the following: “Minorities have less access to, and availability of, mental health services. Minorities are less likely to receive needed mental health services. Minorities in treatment often receive a poorer quality of mental health care. Minorities are underrepresented in mental health research. The recognition of these disparities brings hope that they can be seriously addressed and remedied.”
Stories like Pedro’s, Kevin’s, and Adhira’s showcase the importance of the conversations that must be had about the mental health of minorities of all ages. Reduced access to mental healthcare services prevents individuals, like Pedro, from underserved communities from getting the care they need. In Kevin’s case, a lack of awareness of resources prevents him from getting the help he needs sooner. For an individual like Adhira, feeling ashamed of her condition makes the decision to get help difficult. All these stories showcase the importance of increasing access to mental health resources and de-stigmatizing mental health disorders are keys to improving mental health within minority communities. We, at CFHJ, hope that with each passing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month we continue to spread awareness and de-stigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health.