A person’s beliefs, norms, values and language affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. Cultural differences can influence whether or not we seek help, what type of help we seek, what coping styles and supports we have and what treatments might work for us.
Diverse communities face many barriers such as higher levels of stigma, misinformation about mental health and language that prevent them from receiving care. Even when they are able to access treatment, these communities often receive poorer quality care due to lack of cultural competence, bias and inadequate resources. This results in misdiagnosis, dropping out of treatment and a longer time to achieve recovery.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has developed fact sheets and infographics about the prevalence and impact of mental illness in diverse communities.
Population of focus: Advocates, community based organization, health care providers
Links to resource:
- Multicultural mental health facts infographic (pdf)
- African American Mental Health Facts (pdf)
- Sharing Hope: An African American Guide to Mental Health booklet (pdf)
- Links to download infographics on the NAMI website
- NAMI Diverse Communities webpage
Date: 2016
Organization: National Alliance on Mental Illness