Day 7: Mental Health Disparities
| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 |
Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet the US faces a stark reality: significant disparities in access to mental health care and outcomes. While it is often said that mental health knows no boundaries, the truth is that access to quality care and mental health outcomes vary greatly among different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups in the country. Addressing mental health disparities requires multiple approaches.
Addressing Dispa
rities
Racial/Ethnic Disparities | Black, Latino, and Native Americans face disparities in access to mental health care. They are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to white Americans. Certain populations, like Native Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals, experience higher rates of suicide, in part due to mental health disparities. Historical injustices, such as forced displacement of Indigenous communities and racial segregation, are ongoing and continue to affect mental health outcomes.
Stigma surrounding mental health issues is also more pronounced in some communities and cultures, discouraging individuals from seeking help.
Socioeconomic Disparities | Lower-income individuals often lack access to affordable mental health care services. Lack of insurance coverage or underinsurance can prevent individuals from accessing mental health care. Untreated mental health issues can lead to physical health problems, increasing healthcare costs.
Poor mental health can perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Limited access to educational and employment opportunities exacerbates disparities, while poverty and financial insecurity can lead to chronic stress, a known risk factor for mental health disorders.
Geographic Disparities | Rural areas often have fewer mental health professionals and resources, leading to inadequate access to care. A shortage of mental health professionals in these areas limits access. Telehealth has the potential to bridge some of these gaps, but not everyone has internet access, a computer, or other compatible electronic device.
LGBTQ+ Disparities | LGBTQ+ individuals often face higher rates of mental health issues due to discrimination and lack of acceptance. Those who lack access to mental health care often suffer in silence, leading to decreased overall quality of life. Culturally competent care for this population is essential.
exploring solutions
Destigmatization | Promote mental health awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Accessible care | Invest in mental health infrastructure, expand insurance coverage, and increase the number of mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas. Train healthcare providers to understand and address the unique needs of diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color.
Early intervention | Implement programs in schools and workplaces that promote mental health and provide early intervention for those at risk.
Community resources | Support grassroots organizations that provide mental health resources and support to marginalized communities.
Mental health disparities in the US are a complex and deeply rooted issue that cannot be ignored. To build a more equitable and mentally healthy society, it is essential to address the underlying causes of these disparities and implement comprehensive solutions that ensure access to quality mental health care for all. By doing so, we can work towards a future where mental health disparities are no longer a hidden crisis but a problem of the past.
IF YOU HAVE…
5 Minutes |
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15 Minutes |
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20 minutes |
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| CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO
that highlights how microaggressions in the workplace impact Black womens’ mental health. |
and | CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO for one therapist’s explanation on how our bodies can carry racial trauma. | and | CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
on how racism contributes to poor mental health outcomes among Black students in higher education. |
Bonus! Listen to this curated mental health playlist by a couple YW staff members while taking any part of the challenge (contains explicit lyrics/NSFW):
Additional resources:
take action
- Have a conversation with a loved one about mental health and make a plan to check in with each other regularly. Engaging in conversation about mental health helps to combat stigmatization.
- Think about what changes you would make to your workplace’s HR policies that would benefit employees’ mental health. Discuss these strategies with your co-workers.
- Contact your local school district or attend a school board meeting and ask how they are implementing mental health programs in schools, particularly to support marginalized students.
REFLECT
Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.
- Download and complete the full Racial Justice Challenge Reflection template here.
- Questions to consider:
- What feelings or emotions did I notice while completing today’s challenge?
- What did I learn? (This could be a new concept, idea, or word.)
- Why is this topic/subject important?
- What behaviors and beliefs do I want to let go of?
- Questions to consider:
- Consider sharing any parts of this challenge with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
- Join us Friday, 9/29 at noon via Zoom for a Week 2 debrief session.
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84927226372?pwd=MFV6dDgrOTVGSFhGYm9UWWZ5UWFHZz09
Meeting ID: 849 2722 6372
Passcode: letmein
- Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.
Just joining the Racial Justice Challenge? Register and find the previous days here. Please take the pre-challenge survey – it will help prepare your mind and body to dive into these racial and social topics and provide us valuable feedback for future challenges.
Racial Equity work is consistently underfunded. Make a powerful statement in the fight for racial and social justice. Your contribution directly supports initiatives that promote equality, combat discrimination, and empower individuals and communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and just world for all. Join us in making a difference today!
Special thanks to our mission partners
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If you would like to learn more about partnering with YWCA Spokane in support of this Racial Justice Challenge, please contact Erica Schreiber, Director of Community Engagement via email ericas@ywcaspokane.org or via phone at 509-789-8275.
| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 |
By: Lara Estaris
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