Why Mental Health Matters for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color
According to the American Counseling Association
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Black/African American:
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Black and African American people living below poverty are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress as those living over two times the poverty level. [CDC]
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Men of African descent are nine times more likely than White men to be victims of homicide.
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Historical adversity translates to socioeconomic disparities experienced by Black and African American people, which is linked to mental health. [Source]
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Adult Blacks and African Americans are more likely to have feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than adult Whites. [CDC]
Latinx:
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Latinx parents may expedite assimilation in their children by promoting adoption of American culture, leading to internalized racism which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
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Latina adolescents attempt suicide at higher rates than other gender/ethnic groups: 20% of Latina adolescents report a plan to commit suicide and 11.1% attempt suicide.
Native American/Indigenous:
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Due to high levels of poverty, many Native Americans face economic barriers that prevent them from receiving treatment. [Source]
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Compared to Whites, three times as many Native Americans lack health insurance – 37% compared to 6.3%. Approximately 2.5 million Native Americans rely on the Indian Health Service for care. [Source]
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Native Americans who meet the criteria for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders are significantly more likely to seek help from a spiritual healer than from specialty or other medical sources. [Source]
Asian American:
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Xenophobic racism against Asian Americans has surged as the coronavirus sweeps the U.S., with reports of hate crimes averaging approximately 100 per day.
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Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Asian Americans ages 15-34.
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One study found that 70% of Southeast Asian refugees receiving mental health care were diagnosed with PTSD.
Middle Eastern:
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Women who emigrated from the Middle East may be subjected to domestic violence, particularly if they entered into arranged marriages with American men.
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Asylum seekers from the Middle East may cope with mental health issues related to situations they have fled, including torture, war, political oppression, and other circumstances.