WELCOME TO THE START OF MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH!
One in 5—60 million Americans—are affected by mental health conditions each year.
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background.
However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this.
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS
- Mental health treatment differs among racial/ethnic identity groups and other minority communities. These disparities point to significant social and structural barriers to care.
- The highest prevalence of mental illness is among mixed/multiracial adults—nearly 1 in 3 reported that they experienced a mental illness in 2017.
- The lowest rate of treatment use is among Asian adults. Only 1 in 5 Asian adults with a mental illness reported that they received treatment in 2017.
- Gay, lesbian, or bisexual adults are more than 2x as likely to experience a mental illness compared to their heterosexual peers.
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH STORYTELLING
Strength Over Silence Video Series: Stories of Courage, Culture, and Community
In this ongoing documentary miniseries, NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the African-American and Latinx communities. Through candid and courageous stories of lived experience, these mental health champions share their journeys of resiliency and recovery.
View the videos here and please share with your networks: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Minority-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/Strength-Over-Silence-Stories-of-Courage-Culture
NAMI Blog: In July, the NAMI Blog will feature 14 personal stories from diverse communities. New posts are added weekly. Be sure to check out the NAMI Blog and look for posts on our social media featuring quotes from our blog authors. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog