What Is Diverse Mental Health?

The Context of "Diverse Mental Health"

It is important to recognise, that historically and today, women and people from “diverse backgrounds” * have been confronted with negative and harmful experiences, which impact their mental health and well-being. These detrimental experiences are connected to specific factors of; gender, “race”, skin colour, ethnicity, gender-identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, neurodiversity, religion, financial, social status and other distinct diverse characteristics.

The Harmful Factors Related to Diversity & Mental Health

Mentally harmful factors are perpetuated through the result of circumstances such as; racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the subsequent occurrence of prejudice, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, humiliation, violence, rejection, lack of opportunity, exclusion, injustice and unfair treatment.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being

The impact of these experiences can be seen in poor mental health such as;

• Increased and disruptive levels of stress, frustration, anger, fear, irritability, aggression, trauma, and significant difficulties in coping,

Mental ill health such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, other Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Suicidal Acts or Ideation, Addiction and other mental health disorders.

The psychological, emotional and social impact of these detrimental circumstances and experiences can lead to individuals holding negative beliefs and feelings towards themselves, their own group, other people or other groups, developing low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, insecurity, poor self-identity, isolation, withdrawal, lack of a sense of belonging, loss of hope and low aspirations.

Socio-Economic Consequences and Mental Health

Significantly, inequity, discrimination, exclusion and lack of opportunity can have socio-economic consequences, such as higher levels of poverty, homelessness or imprisonment. These conditions have been found to directly contribute to poor mental health and possible mental illness.

The Important Drive for "Diverse Mental Health"

My "Diverse Mental Health Approach" recognises the strong connection between people’s mental health and well-being and detrimental societal factors related to being a woman and the status of an individual’s diversity, equity and inclusion. The perspective focuses on recognising, understanding and addressing these harmful aspects, along with developing specific and effective support strategies. This enables individuals, groups and organisations to better deal with crisis, improve "diverse mental health" and well-being, enhance productivity and gain greater personal and professional performance.

Mental Health in the Workplace

For healthy and productive development, we require

-     Physical and psychological safety

-     A sense of belonging and acceptance of who we are as distinct individuals

-     Inclusion and a fundamental connection to others

-     Constructive diverse and equitable cultures, in which we can learn and grow

However, this development can be hindered. The reality is that the same negative and harmful experiences, which contribute to poor mental health and mental illness, exist for women and people from diverse backgrounds* within the workplace.

The impact of these detrimental factors on mental health, along with lack of diversity, equity and inclusion can lead to a wide range of negative consequences. These can affect relationships, engagement, performance, productivity and contribute to a dysfunctional work culture.

This is reflected in aspects such as;

-     Lower performance rates, higher rates of sickness and turnover

-     Lack of interest and engagement 

-     Conflicts, poor communication, lack of trust and co-operation

-     Negative and dysfunctional work systems

-     Limited change or growth

The Free Choices "Diverse Mental Health Approach"

I developed the “Diverse Mental Health Approach" to essentially consider the particular detrimental mental health experience of women and people from" diverse backgrounds".* The recognition and understanding of these circumstances and experience, allows for a deeper and broader assessment of the impact. This provides person centred, meaningful and effective support, which is also more equitable and inclusive”

We believe that in working with the connection between people's mental health and their lived experience, in relation to being a woman and from a diverse background, we can achieve a fundamental and essential transformation into a mentally healthy diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where all belong and can thrive

We possess a strong and fundamental need to connect to others, to belong and to be included. It is clear that “Good Mental Health Needs Good Diversity, Equity & Inclusion”

*People from Diverse Backgrounds. I use this term to refer to a range of different people and groups, who experience discrimination, abuse, hate, exclusion, injustice and inequity. This relates to gender : women, gender identity, sexual orientation, colour of one’s skin - Black, Brown, mixed race or multi- heritage, Indigenous people, older people, people with a physical or developmental disability, lower economic status, people who are on the neuro-diverse spectrum, those from different religions or ethnic groups.

Caroline Ribeiro-Nelson is Head of Free Choices I Diverse Mental Health. She is an experience Psychotherapist, Diverse Mental Health Consultant, Coach & Trainer, who has been working in the fields of employee assistance and mental health & well-being for 30 years.