It’s important to understand the mental health challenges that certain groups face so we can help meet their needs and support them better.
In 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health. In 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. Many obstacles include not having health insurance and less access to treatment, but stigma plays a big role in these populations.
African Americans
African American communities face specific mental health challenges, including dealing with high expectations in school and work due to racial bias, difficulties finding culturally sensitive mental health services, and facing discrimination. These challenges can lead to serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety, but stigma often stands in the way of seeking treatment.
Like all populations, some turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or mental health problems. In fact, Black men are dying from overdoses at shockingly high rates.”In 2019 the overall drug overdose death rate among Black people exceeded that of whites for the first time: 36.8 versus 31.6 per 100,000.
And with the addition of fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that’s 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, Black men older than 55 who survived for decades with a heroin addiction are dying at rates four times greater than people of other races in that age group,” according to a Scientific American article.
Hispanic & Latino
In many Hispanic cultures, talking about mental health issues is often avoided because people worry about shame or judgment. This stigma can stop people from seeking help. Many don’t openly discuss challenges they face at home or in their personal lives. The phrase “la ropa sucia se lava en casa,” which is similar to “don’t air your dirty laundry in public,” is common in this community. People often don’t seek treatment out of fear of being labeled or bringing shame to their family. Language barriers and the lack of culturally sensitive treatment compounds the problem, leading to many suffering in silence with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
As we work to address our country’s mental health and substance issues we must advocate for all populations. Lived experience, understanding and community support is how we can move forward. Keep educating yourself and have discussions about ways to bring knowledge and tools into your local community. The more we understand each other's experiences and share our stories, the more equipped we are for growing inclusive communities whose needs are met.
Asian Americans
Asian American communities face high expectations for school and work, language difficulties, and not having enough mental health services that understand their culture. “According to a 2020 American Psychological Association report, 84% of the psychology workforce is white, while Asians comprise just 4%.” In many Asian cultures, mental health issues are seen as personal or family failures. This stigma makes people avoid getting help because they don't want to bring shame to their families. A study in the Asian American Journal of Psychology found that this stigma leads to fewer Asian Americans using mental health services .
Asian Americans might be less likely to use substances to cope compared to other groups. However, they often keep their problems to themselves, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Holding in stress can have serious long-term effects on mental health . SAMHSA reports “ suicide was the leading cause of death among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, ages 10 to 19 and the second leading cause of death among those ages 20-34.” Asian Americans report lower rates of overdose compared to other groups. But, underreporting and not enough data can hide the true size of the problem.
Native Americans
Native American communities face more mental health issues than many other groups. Reasons include past trauma passed down through generations, economic struggles, and not having enough mental health services that understand their culture.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Native Americans report more psychological distress and higher suicide rates than other ethnic groups.
In many Native American cultures, talking about mental health is often avoided. People might choose traditional healing methods instead of modern treatments. This can make it hard for them to get the right care because many mental health professionals aren't trained in Native American cultural practices .
Alcohol use is high in Native American communities. Many people use alcohol to cope with their mental health issues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that Native Americans have higher rates of alcohol use disorders than the general population . High alcohol use leads to more cases of liver disease and accidental overdoses. Native Americans also have higher death rates from substance use disorders, making the mental health crisis even worse in these communities .
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