July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 16% of African Americans experience a mental health condition. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental illness, minorities are often undiagnosed and receive inadequate treatment compared to adult Whites. Regrettably, African Americans face an added stigma and discrimination when seeking mental health care, causing apprehension about pursuing professional treatment.
Did you know…?
African Americans are 20 percent more likely to have serious psychological distress than other ethnic groups.
In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Black Americans, ages 15 to 24.
Poverty level affects mental health status. African Americans living below the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress. Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental disorder, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental disorder in 2018.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, talk to a trusted healthcare professional. Stay connected with a support network, such as friends, family, or clergy.
If you or a loved one is in need of someone to talk to, there is confidential support available 24/7 by calling: (Each county has its own crisis line.)
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County- 24 Hour Crisis Line, (800) 309-2131
Contra Costa Mental Health Crisis Services, (888) 678-7277
Solano County Crisis Line, (707) 428-1131
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 911 or report to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Remember, you are not alone. Mental health does not choose who is affected by it, but culture, race, gender, or sexual orientation, can affect access to treatment, support, and quality care for many. We can help. Bethsaida Counseling Services is only a phone call or email away and ready to assist with helping you access services by providing information and referral. Contact us at (510) 544-8945 or email us at bethsaida@allen-temple.org.
Information was curated by the Balm of Gilead from the National Alliance of Mental Illness and Mental Health Awareness, The Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
