Mental illness happens to people from different races, culture, traditions, and community. It is not unique to a particular place, this is the reason why we should come together to talk about it and find solutions. The minority communities are facing problems to tackle this situation at hand. The stigma of mental illness has made it worse to combat especially in these communities. Nobody wants to talk about their family member facing this health challenge, they prefer to find a silent solution which eventually doesn’t work as expected.
Another angle to look at this situation is that lack of access to mental health facilities and cultural differences are posing as problems again. You may ask, why culture? There are cultures, especially in minority communities that believe that mental illness is as a result of an evil act by the victim. They tend to believe that the only way to tackle this issue is my spiritual help instead of seeking professional hands. We can’t ignore these facts if we have to tackle this stigmatization and mental health issue.
A thorough look at this situation has shown there are fewer psychiatrists around. When mental patients seek their help and find none, they prefer to withdraw and suffer in silence. The government should make it open that more psychiatrists are needed to combat mental illness, especially in minority communities. This should start in medical schools, the students should be made aware of the stigmas and challenges being faced. It will enable them to decide to help since it is part of what medical studies is all about. More psychiatrists at hand will make it easier for mental patients to access adequate medical care in these minority communities.
Let us not forget medical insurance. How many people from these minority communities are benefitting from medical insurance? Reports have shown that insurances don’t cover therapy sessions or screening, this means they have to pay for these. How can they afford these? This is another big challenge they are facing. Effective communication is another issue, most people in these communities are not properly informed about the right things. The media outlets are not creating enough awareness for people to find solutions. People are suffering in silence because they see no need to tell their family members or friends about their situation.
Mental health stigma can be traced to feelings of reproach, disappointment, shame, shock, and discomfort. This is why the patients prefer to suffer in silence than find possible solutions. This is why we need to create enough awareness and social support in these minority communities so as to reduce the stigmatization. It is better to seek professional help than other self-sought solutions.
Fortitude Wellness provides a solution to mental health issues, you can start by scheduling an appointment. Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis is the first step to understand your situation and we can come in to provide you with the help you need on your mental health journey. Our vision is for all populations to have an equal opportunity to live long, healthy and productive lives.