We, as black people, have suffered a lot as an ethnic group. And the question some people would ask why this group is afraid to seek for help? Minorities are less likely to seek mental health services for some of the following reasons:
*Lack of information about mental and behavioral disorders.
*Not enough cultural competent practitioners.
*Low percentage families of being insured.
*High records of misdiagnosis.
*Shameful when discussing mental health disorders.
*Some may believe that religion is the only answer and not a therapist.
*Unable to express oneself due to the notion that he/she will not be heard.
How Can We Normalize Mental Health Therapy?
-Discuss our own struggles with mental illnesses or those found with family members.
-Know that having a mental illness does not mean that you have cast out of society.
-Accept that mental health practitioners are important for our mental needs just like doctors are needed for the physical needs.
-Anyone with a development disorder such as autism or mental disorder such as anxiety needs to be respected in society.
-Learn to express ourselves and not to battle any mental illnesses in silence.
-Free anonymous support groups are needed in our communities or online in order to stop the stigma.
-More will be discussed in our YouTube channel.