Black History Month: How To Spread Mental Health Awareness
While it can certainly be said that every month is black history month, there’s no better time to discuss the stigma and the barriers in the way of black and other people of color considering the theme of this year’s Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness.
It’s no secret that the Black and African American communities are less likely to have their mental health issues addressed, despite being predisposed to higher rates of mental health issues due to their unique racial disposition in America. This is in part due to their communities being historically underserved, if not outright neglected, with no addiction treatment center or recovery center easily accessible. This disparity in access to mental health services like an addiction treatment center or addiction recovery program has been shown time and time again in National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports. Even if mental health services like these are available, their cost can be another barrier, along with a lack of adequate health coverage. Transpiration, getting time off work, and difficulty finding childcare to visit something like an addiction treatment center or recovery center are also barriers in the way of healthcare for these communities.
The stigma surrounding acknowledging mental health issues and getting treatment for them certainly doesn’t help. Even the great Martin Luther King Jr battled depression throughout dark periods of his life but refused care. This is something we at Flatirons Recovery recognize and try to address at our rehab treatment center in Lafayette, Colorado.
Considering socioeconomic conditions, stigma surrounding mental health, and discrimination and bias sadly that still exists today, the Black and African American community has been historically underserved when it comes to mental health. Access to mental health services is important for all people, but the Black and African American community especially considering what can be described as intergenerational trauma resulting from decades of slavery, racism, bigotry, and discrimination and their unique racial dispositions in America. This highlights the importance of quality, convenient mental health services for these underserved groups, breaking down barriers in the way, and reducing stigma associated with getting help.
We’re committed to doing all of this at our Lafayette addiction treatment center. We tailor our addiction recovery program and all mental health services to the individual’s unique needs. Contact us to learn more about how our mental health services can help you or someone you love.
