Mental health in the BAME community
In some community’s mental health problems are rarely recognised or spoken about as they may be seen as shameful or embarrassing.
This sadly means that people from the BAME community do not seek the help that they need and deserve.
Rates of mental health problems in the BAME community can be higher than in the white community.
- Black men are more likely to have experienced a psychotic disorder in the last year than White men.
- Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than White people.
- Older South Asian women are an at-risk group for suicide.
- Refugees and asylum seekers are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, including higher rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Experiencing racism can have a negative effect on mental health
Being exposed to racism may increase your likelihood of experiencing mental health problems such as psychosis and depression.
How do help our colleagues in the BAME community? There are mental health groups and resources that are specifically for the BAME community.
The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network is a directory of therapists of Black, African, Asian or Caribbean heritage.
Black Minds Matter connects Black individuals and families to free mental health support provided by Black therapists.
Taraki works with the Punjabi communities to create space where people can access mental health support and education.
BEST PLACES TO GET SUPPORT FOR BAME COMMUNITY
1. ALLOW PEOPLE to be open about their difficulties, listen and show them empathy and kindness.
2. SIGNPOST PEOPLE to mental health organisations who can offer professional support and advice – it is a simple yet effective act of kindness that can make all the difference
3. TALK about mental health within our ethnic communities, which is also key to helping ease the stigma attached to it
4. ADVOCATE for those who feel less able to do so much for themselves.
5. MAKE CONVERSATIONS about mental health normal so that people do not feel like a ‘pariah’. This is crucial.
6. HELP dispel the myth that experiencing mental health issues within the BAME community is not weakness or non-existent.
The sooner we learn to talk about mental health in the BAME community the sooner we can help.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
Taking ten minutes a day to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you.
