Everyone Deserves Access to Equitable Mental Health Care

Observed in July of each year, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month seeks to spotlight the unique challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States when it comes to mental health. The awareness month was created to help remove the disparities that minorities face in accessing mental health services, break the stigma of seeking such services, and better address the prevalence of mental health conditions within minority communities.

The month was established in 2008 and initially named after Bebe Moore Campbell, a mental health advocate and author who championed culturally competent mental health services and the elimination of barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, and difficulty finding providers who understand different cultural backgrounds.

According to the CDC, one in five adults lives with a mental health condition, with groups such as Black, Hispanic, and Native American skewing higher. Each of these groups is more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, making access to care more difficult – a “catch 22” of sorts that necessitates awareness efforts like Minority Mental Health Month.

If your mental health could use a boost, Southwestern Behavioral Health Center recommends some tried-and-true practices.

• First and foremost, practice self-care. Set time aside each day for you, whether that’s spent taking a walk, reading, meditating, listening to music, or just relaxing.
• Talk to your confidantes. Share how you feel or what might be troubling you with someone you trust.
• Take a break from the news and social media. News tends to focus on the negative as is, and today’s divisive geopolitical climate only fuels the fire. Less news likely means less stress.
• Don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected with others, whether that’s a friend or relative, a support group, or a religious community.

Finally, remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you were physically ill, you would see a doctor. If nothing seems to help steady your mental health, seek professional help. We have a team at Southwestern Behavioral Health Center equipped to help you or a loved one find happiness, peace of mind, and better overall mental health.

Taking a health risk assessment could help guide you on the appropriate next steps to help get you where you need to be.

To take one of our free behavioral health risk assessments or learn more about our mental/behavioral health services, visit swmconline.com/behavioral-health. For additional information or to inquire about our 24-hour assessment service, call 580.536.0077.