Minority Mental Health Month is a nationwide effort developed to call much-needed attention to the mental health issues faced by communities that experience disproportionate inequality as a result of systemic barriers and historical adversity. Medical professionals at Fresh Start Recovery Center in Maryland have a deep understanding of the stigma surrounding mental illness in minority communities. Our highly trained counselors seek to provide treatment to help fight bias and fight against disproportionate medical care for minority groups. Reach out to us today at 833.625.0398 for more information about the services and programs our mental health treatment center can provide for you and your loved ones.
Why We Need Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed each July since 2008. It was created to create awareness surrounding the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the United States.
Marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised groups have experienced generational trauma, anxiety and stress, and social inequality. Minority groups sometimes distrust and have a suspicion of medical professionals as a result of historic mistreatment.
It’s essential that minority groups receive appropriate care by medical professionals with a thorough understanding of the history of stigma surrounding mental illness. Counselors can provide a safe and trusting environment to help end stigma, bias, and misdiagnoses in minority communities.
The Facts Explain Why Minorities Are at Greater Risk
Because our society has a history of disproportionately incarcerating minorities, especially Black Americans, this has a dispropriate effect on poverty, the ability to pass on generational wealth, and general experiences of psychological distress.
Due to pressure to assimilate into American cultural norms, the Latinx community has a greater risk of internalized racism. This can lead to higher rates of low self-esteem and depression. Latina adolescents have the highest rate of suicide among any gender or ethnic group.
Xenophobia against Asian Americans has spiked as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are upwards of 100 reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans on a daily basis.
More than a third of Native Americans lack any form of health insurance. Indigenous Americans experience high levels of anxiety and depression and have disproportionate substance abuse disorders compared to whites.
Many other minority communities face mental health issues as a result of financial stress or instability, physical health problems, and oppression. Making their mental health a priority can lead to lasting positive outcomes for generations to come.
Overcoming The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no shame in having a mental illness. You do not need to feel embarrassed. Early intervention makes a big difference. Fresh Start encourages anyone dealing with the painful experiences of mental distress to reach out to trained professionals for assistance. If you receive treatment, then recovery is always possible.
Fresh Start Recovery Center provides a wide range of mental health care services and programs tailored to meet individual needs. We are sensitive to your personal experiences and concerns about what it might mean to others that you are reaching out for mental health treatment. Our medical professionals will help you navigate complex feelings surrounding mental health care and treatment.
Our treatment options include:
- Individual therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Reach Out to Fresh Start Recovery Today
This Minority Mental Health Month, take time to reflect on the self-care you need. Our medical professionals are sensitive to the wide range of factors that play a role in mental health issues.
Our medical professionals are here to help. We want you to have the future you deserve. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center online or call us at 833.625.0398 for more information about mental health services and treatment options that are right for you.
