In 2008, Congress declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, to inspire others to identify and address the unique challenges that underrepresented groups face.
Imagine you’re struggling with a mental illness. Maybe it’s depression, anxiety, substance use – whatever it may be. You know you need help, but your insurance doesn’t cover the treatment. Even with insurance, the cost is prohibitive. Without insurance, it’s impossible. Or perhaps the only doctor who could treat you is on the other side of town and you don’t have a reliable vehicle. Public transportation isn’t available.
These are some of the most common barriers to mental health treatment for racial and ethnic minorities, who also face additional prejudice and discrimination. They’re among the reasons the Centers for Disease Control says racial and ethnic minority groups are often less likely to receive treatment for mental illness.
Prejudice and discrimination impact career opportunities, income, housing, and health care. Large-scale disasters can cause disproportionate harm. During crises like the COVID-19 Pandemic, the CDC says “Persistent systemic social inequities and discrimination” can exacerbate other underlying medical and financial conditions for racial and ethnic minorities, causing stress and harming their mental health.
One of the strongest voices drawing attention to these disparities was Bebe Moore Campbell, who used her platforms as a journalist, commentator, and best-selling author to discuss racism, mental illness, and family issues.
In 2003, Moore Campbell co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter in Inglewood, California. Now known as NAMI Urban LA, the organization provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to people of color.
“It is not shameful to have a mental illness,” she said. “Get treatment. Recovery is possible.”
Moore Campbell worked to address some of the systemic, structural barriers faced by people of color. Though the stigma surrounding mental illness has lessened in recent years, it still exists. And for people of color, that stigma is even worse.
“People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit,” Moore Campbell told NPR.
She died in 2006, but her legacy lives on through NAMI Urban LA and the national month of observance.
NAMI encourages everyone to join them on social media in July with the hashtag #ShadesofMentalHealth. They also provide educational resources, sharable social media graphics, podcasts and other educational resources.
By sharing stories on social media, NAMI hopes to educate people who haven’t experienced mental illness, and encourage those who have.
“You can inspire others who may be silently struggling,” NAMI’s website says. “Your story and resilience have the power to inspire and uplift those around you.”
Mental Health America, another national advocacy and educational organization, provides links to policy issues faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, ranging from criminal justice to housing and access to medication.
The CDC also identifies ways individuals, organizations, and communities can promote mental health equity.
If you or someone you know in South Dakota is dealing with suicidal thoughts, contact the Helpline Center at 211 or visit their website here. All calls or texts are free and confidential.