Mental illness in minority communities has been stigmatized for many centuries. This stigma roots from generations of machismo, stereotypes, and the way society has shaped people of color as well. People of color deal with stigmatization when it comes to talking about mental illness, especially with their family.  Communities of people of color including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino Americans do not like to talk about mental health which damages individuals who are under entrapment and have mental health issues. It is up to the present generations to break this stigma and bring awareness to mental health.

First off, most people of color mainly root from lower class communities which already puts people who are from affluent communities ahead because they are mostly made up of non P.O.C. For people of color, there is also a stigma attached to having a mental illness and being able to receive treatment is difficult. The stigma behind treatments are difficult for people of color because most of these people do look for help. The difference is that when people of color seek out treatment they tend to receive a backlash from their own communities. When these individuals feel the backlash they tend to internalize the negative comments that others say and do not get the treatment they need. This then makes their mental health get worse rather than better. When these individuals are not treated they then think this is the mindset to have towards mental health issues and project it onto to others who can also be battling with the same issues. It then creates a viscous cycle onto the next person and makes our communities weaker and creates a division with each other and the way we communicate our issues. Overall, with these stigmas our communities get divided and compared to non P.O.C who seek out treatment and do not receive backlash and are able to talk about their issues amongst each other creates a unity and a more accepting community. Due to the stigma behind treatment for P.O.C, their communities tend to crumble and become deficient because of lack of treatment and communication.

Migration

Migration is an issue because it is not any easy process to go through. The physical aspect of migrating is detrimental alone because of how long it takes to cross a border and fear for ones life. Going from one country to another is very difficult because people migrate somewhere for a better life and most of the time that means leaving family behind. This can be very traumatizing and cause depression due to the culture shock and having no one to talk to. Even migrating from one climate to another can damage a person because they are not used to that type of weather.

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can go hand in hand with migration because of the culture shock when going to a different country. When entering a new country, beliefs can be different and can have an impact on others with opposing views. A positive side to this issue is that overtime people will begin to adapt and find their way in this new culture and find a way to incorporate their previous culture as well.

Financial Problems

Financial Problems is the most crucial from all three because this can determine which economic level the person is and if they are able to afford treatment. Upon reading articles, I saw a pattern and most of which said that a lot of individuals do not seek out treatment because they cannot afford it or they do not have the proper insurance. Without money or insurance it is very difficult to find treatment for a mental illness that is beneficial. There are other free or low cost options but at times they might not be the best treatment nor benefit the individual at all. If the government of the United States were to offer better and inexpensive health care options a lot of people would be able to receive treatment and get better. This is another answer as to why people from affluent communities get treatment and it is because they can afford it, not like people from the lower class.

“Living in a Hispanic family, mental health is not seen as a biological issue, but rather a choice. The older generations believe that happiness is a choice and we all have control over our emotions. This often leads us to hide our emotions to show that we are strong, but deep down we know that we are not okay. This loneliness only makes the problem worse because we feel like we are “crazy” and “weak.

-Anonymous

“My situation is a bit different than most people of my ethnic and racial background. My mom has always been open or suggestive to the idea of therapy or turning for help and I think it’s because of the resources found in Mexico City. Fortunately in our area there were a few mental health services found at low costs. Growing up my dad wouldn’t be very open to therapy saying that it’s useless and that we don’t need it and that we could get over whatever was going on, but now my dad would support me if I decided to go back to therapy. Despite this, I feel like my parents still have this type of optimism that everything is always fine, so I do feel pressure to not open up about my mental health.”

-Erick

How can we change the stigma?

• Listen. We can help by being empathetic if that person decides to share their issues.
• Do not judge. Most people have a fear of judgement and with someone criticizing their issues, it will not make them feel any better.
• Offer support. Often people come to others when they cannot deal with their emotions any longer. Be honored that this person decided to come to you for support.
• Share your story. If you are willing to, maybe share a story of your own to show the other person that they are not alone and you have been in their situation.
• Offer professional help. There are many places that can be directed for that person if they want to seek out treatment options. Even if the person does not have insurance, help them find little to no cost options.

Helpful Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255); Hours of Operation: 24/7
• Suicide Prevention Center Crisis Line: (877)7-CRISIS or (877)727-4747; Hours of Operation: 24/7
• CSUN Helpline: (818)349-HELP (4357); Hours of Operation: Friday and Saturday: 7:00PM – 10:00PM; Sunday – Thursday: 6:00PM – 12:00AM
• University Counseling Services: (818) 677-2366, Option 1; Hours of Operation Monday – Friday: 8AM – 5PM
• Child and Family Guidance Center: (818) 993-9311; 9650 Zelzah Ave, Northridge, CA