While roughly 25 percent of Americans suffer from mental health concerns in a given year, BIPOC Americans typically receive care at considerably lower rates than their white counterparts. The primary reasons for the disparity are access to care, cultural stigma, and cultural misunderstanding on the part of providers. To highlight these gaps, call attention to the signs of depression, and raise awareness of mental health services, the U.S. House of Representatives declared July National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
As the month nears its end, here are some facts and resources to help address these mental health concerns:
Notable Facts About Minority Mental Health
-
- In 2015, among adults with any mental health concerns, 48 percent of white Americans received mental health services, while only 31 percent of Black and Latinx Americans and 22 percent of Asian Americans received services.
- Over 16 percent of Black Americans have been diagnosed with a mental health condition in the last year but only one-third of these people will receive treatment. These rates are similar for Latinx Americans.
- Roughly 14 percent of Native American and Alaskan Native adults suffer from both mental and substance abuse disorders.
Resources for Minority Mental Health Month
Luckily, in recent years, there has been increased awareness both about the prevalence of mental health disorders and the gaps in treatment among people of different races. As a result, there are numerous resources available that can help treat the signs of depression and other mental health concerns. Here are a few:
-
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness has some valuable resources for addressing mental health disparities.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a list of mental health resources for underrepresented communities which can help individuals identify signs of depression and seek help.
- VIP Ketamine has a list of resources about ketamine therapy. Ketamine therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can help alleviate the signs of depression as well as aid in pain management.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
To find out more about ketamine for psychiatric disorders or pain management, click here or fill out the form below.