Established in 2008, by the the U.S. House of Representatives, Minority Mental Health Awareness was created to bring awareness of the how mental health impacts minority communities and the limited amount of access to it.
Dealing with a mental health concern is very challenging on its own. Individuals that are apart of a minority group may have additional barriers when it comes time to seek care. Three potential barriers include (but are not limited to):
Stigma surrounding mental health in minority communities
Access to mental health care in minority communities
Quality of care may be lower in minority communities
I watched an amazing three-part docuseries from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) about mental health in the African American and Latino communities. Watch the videos here.
Barbershop Confession in the Big Easy -- Meet Lorenzo Lewis, founder of The Confess Project, and learn how he uses barbershops across America as platforms to start conversation and spread hope and healing in the black community. -- In this three-part docuseries, NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the African-American and Latino communities.
The Safe Place -- After uncovering myths about mental illness in her community, mental health advocate Jasmin Pierre created a "Safe Place" where the black community can access culturally inspired information and support. -- In this three-part docuseries, NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the African-American and Latino communities.
Discovering my Superpower -- This piece features NAMI Ambassador A.J. Mendez, author, advocate and former WWE wrestler. Hear her advice to Latino families and how she believes her bipolar disorder is her superpower. -- In this three-part docuseries, NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the African-American and Latino communities.