While mental health has become a trending topic in recent years, many misconceptions and harmful beliefs still abound, particularly when it comes to the BIPOC community. So, let’s work together to break the stigma, starting by debunking 5 common BIPOC mental health myths!
Since we’re focusing on BIPOC mental health myths, let’s begin with facts. BIPOC communities face particular socioeconomic challenges that not only impact their daily lives but also cause stress and trauma. As if that wasn’t enough, cultural beliefs often lead to dismissing mental health issues. So, we’re here to help break down a few stigmas.
Since 2008, July has turned into the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to expose the specific mental health and behavioral healthcare issues faced by underrepresented groups in the US.
Also known as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) mental health month, July has become an important month of reflection on the needs of minority groups. So, let’s focus on the specific mental health challenges these groups face to this day.
Mental Health Challenges Within The BIPOC Communities
Societal issues
Many global factors contribute to a decline in BIPOC members’ mental health and even their day-to-day life.
Socially, BIPOC members are often expected to overpower their struggles with resilience, as generations of trauma, systemic racism, and cultural barriers have left them with no choice but to be resilient as an essential act of survival.
Additionally, racism restricts healthcare access and promotes feelings of dehumanization. Even indirect exposure to racism, from witnessing or hearing about it, can negatively affect mental health.
Healthcare challenges
BIPOC communities face significant healthcare barriers, including:
- Language and cultural disparities affecting communication. For a small (but impactful) example, Native and Indigenous people use expressions such as “ghost sickness” or “heartbreak syndrome”, instead of “depressed” or “anxious”;
- Underrepresentation and lack of diversity concerning mental health providers;
- Limited access due to discrimination and systematic racism, which can lead to issues such as lack of insurance, fewer provider options, transportation difficulties, and mental disorders.
Negative cultural views on mental health
For many members of the BIPOC communities, a few deep-rooted principles may affect the way they view mental health, thus interfering in its treatment. For instance, they may perceive mental issues as:
- Spiritual punishment, spiritual weakness, or demonic/sinful;
- Personal failure;
- Shameful to the family;
- A private matter.
Additionally, multiracial folks may deal with a combination of these beliefs, while also potentially experiencing isolation from the communities they belong to by not being “fully” perceived as a member of said community.
Mental illnesses
According to a 2021 survey, rates of mental health disorders are pretty identical between white people and people of color (POC). However, these illnesses potentially persist longer and cause more critical incapacity for POC.
A comprehensive overview of the research shows concerning results:
- Multiracial individuals are at a higher risk of developing a mental disorder compared to any other race or ethnic group;
- Black American adults have a 20% higher chance of developing significant mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety;
- American Indians/Alaskan Natives experience post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence more than any other ethnic or racial group, while African Americans have the greatest lifetime prevalence of PTSD;
- Racism/racial trauma increases the risk of psychosis for Black people and PTSD for people of color, especially due to chronic stress.
While these are just a few of the sadly vast list of BIPOC mental health-related facts, it’s pretty clear that these communities are at a higher risk of suffering from mental health conditions for a longer time.
When you combine specific issues like microaggressions and discrimination with the lack of access to quality health care, you get a pretty concerning picture of the scenario these communities have to face in their lives.
Putting 5 Common Myths To The Test
Myth #1: Discussing feelings and needing help equals weakness.
You might think your issues are yours alone or feel the need to be “strong” and not deal with stress after trauma.
However, everyone needs support sometimes, so don’t be afraid to share it with others. Talking about your feelings in a vulnerable way and being receptive to help actually calls for considerable strength.
Also, communicating your needs and feelings can inspire others to take care of their mental health too.
Myth #2: Family matters are private and should remain that way.
You may believe that family struggles should be kept private or that sharing them is inadequate. Or maybe you were taught that looking for mental health support is shameful to your family.
Whatever the case, it can be very beneficial to share your struggles, as it can lead to healthy ways of coping and communicating, ultimately impacting both you and your family. You’ll also set an example for the younger family members by showing them it’s okay to seek help, and that they don’t have to carry it all alone.
Myth #3: Mental disorders are a “white people problem.”
If all of us occasionally deal with varying degrees of physical health problems, why wouldn’t all of us be prone to mental struggles from time to time as well?
Despite growing diversity, there is still a vast majority of white psychologists in the US, which can make it look like seeking treatment is something only white people do.
However, it’s essential for BIPOC community members to get culturally sensitive therapy. Some culturally competent therapists will be understanding of your culture, support your discrimination and stigma experiences, and correct any miscommunication that wrongs you.
Myth #4: Suffering this much means you’re not praying enough.
The truth is, all of us need assistance sometimes, and spiritual help can also come in the form of solutions and people in your journey serving the purpose of supporting your healing. Additionally, mental health treatment can complement other ways of spiritual/emotional support.
Seeking a professional who shares your religion or is spiritually aware can greatly aid your healing.
Myth #5: You don’t have the right to feel like this because your family and ancestors have had it worse.
It may be that your family made sacrifices for you to be where you are today, or that you feel your experience is nothing compared to the racism, violence, and discrimination others have faced. So you feel guilt about your struggles, or that you shouldn’t complain.
However, one thing doesn’t invalidate the other. You can honor your family’s experience while also facing psychological issues. Being open to help can in fact be of great value to mend generational trauma.
Start Therapy in Baltimore, MD
Have you been thinking about starting therapy? Are you struggling to find a therapist who truly gets you and what you’re facing?
At New Connections, we believe that social justice and mental health are inseparable. This means our therapists incorporate social justice in their practice and look to increase their understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Get started by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation with our Care Coordinator, and we’ll help you find the best match on our team!
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