Over the past few years, the topic of mental health has come to light. This is great news, however, for many minority groups, this topic can still be taboo. Why is that?
A lot of it may have to do with one’s beliefs. If you come from a background that is religious, then you may believe that therapy is not needed. But why can’t you have both therapy and religion? Some may think that mental illness is associated with being “crazy” and may feel embarrassed, or like an outcast for expressing how they may be feeling. This can be quite toxic to the human mind. Others may just have it in their mind that therapy is expensive and they don’t have the money for it. This stems from not being exposed to information about therapy or services that may be free or funded.
No matter what the circumstance may be for minorities, it is important that we keep breaking the stigmas attached to mental illness. Mental illness can affect anyone, no matter who you are. “Furthermore, mental illness is a leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.” (minorityhealth.hhs.gov)
Thanks to Bebe Moore Campbell, National Minority Mental Health Month was created. It was announced May 2008 that July will be acknowledged as National Minority Mental Health Month. This is to promote awareness as well as to provide more access to resources. And of course we here at BES Group & Associates have you covered with bringing you awareness and the best care. On July 22, 2017 we will be having our first annual So You Live™ Community Conference in partnership with Bethany Baptist Church in Houston, TX. If you’re in the area, please come out. To learn more, click here.
We hope that you continue to spread the word with us and others about mental illness. It’s not a bad thing, and is more common than people may think. Our hope is to help as many people as we can. So you live™.