Loma Linda University Health’s Post

The stigma about mental illness and other mental health challenges in the Latino, Black and African American communities definitely contributes to the disparities in care. A lack of services in areas where these communities live is another major obstacle. But let's not forget the problems these communities face when they do reach out for help sometimes encountering microaggressions from a lack of cultural awareness by mental health professionals. This article from Loma Linda is informative; Owen et al. (2014) examined the microaggressions people of color encounter in therapy; and Alegria et al. (2016) outline very creative ways to address these disparities. Alegría, M., Alvarez, K., Ishikawa, R. Z., DiMarzio, K., & McPeck, S. (2016/06//). Removing obstacles to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in behavioral health care. Health Affairs, 35(6), 991-999. doi:https://lnkd.in/gyAGMS6q Owen, J., Tao, K. W., Imel, Z. E., Wampold, B. E., & Rodolfa, E. (2014). Addressing Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions in Therapy. Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, 45(4), 283–290. https://lnkd.in/g7WVJn45

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of background. So, is there something unique happening for minority communities when it comes to mental well-being?    Buckle up, because this month is all about exploring those very questions. In this post, gain insights on some key Minority Mental Health Facts and Statistics. Learn how chronic stress significantly contributes to health disparities among racial and ethnic groups in the United States.   https://lnkd.in/e7TcYDtN

🧠 Overcoming Mental Health Barriers in Minority Communities 🧠 Mental health is crucial for our overall well-being, yet many communities face unique challenges that hinder access to care and support. In my latest blog post, I explore the cultural, historical, and socioeconomic barriers that impact mental health in African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American communities. As a former public safety professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these barriers. This post offers insights, personal stories, and actionable strategies to foster open conversations and improve mental health support across diverse communities. Read the full blog to learn more about how we can work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. 🌟

🌍 On this World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the unique mental health challenges faced by people with disabilities. Did you know that 40% of adults with disabilities experience mental health challenges, compared to just 20% of adults without disabilities? This disparity is influenced by factors like social isolation, stigma and limited access to inclusive care. By breaking down barriers and advocating for relevant, equitable support, we can make mental health care available to everyone. Let’s work together to create a world where every person’s mental health matters 🌱 Read more on our blog. 💡 What mental health care improvements would you like to see? [ ID: An illustration of a woman in a wheelchair relaxed and calming her mind. The graphic says World Mental Health Day. ] #MentalHealthForAll #DisabilityAwareness #WorldMentalHealthDay #AccessibilityMatters #EndTheStigma

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) asks: what are we missing when it comes to men’s mental health? Explore how improved training and empathy for the distinct symptoms and societal expectations men face can help save lives. https://lnkd.in/guWzZxNj

Is mental health overlooked in men? This article prompted an interesting discussion with our team recently, and we thought we'd open it up here to #healthcare practitioners following us. Comment below for how you feel approaching and treating #mentalhealth could be improved with men. https://bit.ly/3yXBfhW #MensHealthMonth #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness

The National Mental Health Commission has released the National Report Card for mental health in Australia. It illuminates that mental health continues to be a significant issue for Australia and Australian policy makers. I would love to see an increasing integration of workplace psychosocial program outcomes to be reflected in such research and reporting as this area of work matures in organisations and data gathered by the regulating bodies. At the moment society views mental health interventions more linked with community or clinical intervention. While we cannot reach all people, a significant proportion of the adult Australian population are workers. If funding is directed into workplace psychosocial programs we can likely have a powerful impact on population mental health. Workplaces can be PROTECTIVE for mental health. A key standout for me was the shocking mental health statistics for young females. In my view this provides a strong call to action in workplaces where young women are employed. How can we make these more protective for young women and provide supportive environments for them to thrive?

January blog takes look at where we stand in 2024, in relation to stigmas around mental health in Ireland. #stigma #mentalhealth #ireland #understanding #challenges #barriers #psychoanalysis #psychotherapy #counselling #mentalhealthprofessions

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, our Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong, MSW, spoke with Taylor Leamey at CNET about actions we can all take for ourselves and to encourage our friends, family, and communities to support mental health. From having a #RealConvo to reaching out to a professional, we explain how mental health differs for everyone. Learn about practical advice and available resources, such as L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities:

This article recommends some great strategies for prioritizing mental health and reminds us "our mental health is not a luxury; it's a fundamental human right." I always say that you can't pour from an empty cup and acknowledge that cultural programming can make us feel like self-care is selfish. We serve our families and communities more effectively when we are healthy, intentional and clear-minded. What is one way you can prioritize your mental health today? Share your wisdom in the comments.