Did you know July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month? This effort, implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, aims to help each of us better understand the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (SDOH) of racial and ethnic minorities.
How can you be proactive and instill support systems to foster a healthy work environment?
First, let’s understand the range of mental health challenges minorities encounter:
- Discrimination
- Cultural stigma
- Lack of access to resources
- Feelings of isolation
Some common mental health issues your minority team members face include:
- Anxiety/Depression: Minority groups experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their non-minority counterparts. Many of them deal with the stress of navigating systemic inequalities and societal pressures.
- Microaggressions/Discrimination: Subtle forms of discrimination have a cumulative impact on mental health. Constantly facing biases and stereotypes can lead to increased stress and feelings of invalidation.
- Cultural Stigma: In some minority communities, seeking help for mental health issues is stigmatized. Individuals will then hesitate to reach out for support, worsening their struggles.
How can you support the mental health and wellness of your minority team members?
- Emphasize Your Support: Make sure your minority team members know their mental health and wellness are a priority. And if they ask for help, be sure they know they won’t suffer from any repercussions. Find a provider who offers therapists of color and/or are culturally competent.
- Build Supportive Communities: Regularly check in with your minority team members. Give them a safe space to share their concerns and work together to find and implement solutions. Recommend they join groups to support their mental well-being, such as our Virtual Black Community Sessions.
- Review Your Company’s Policies/Procedures: Take a fresh look at how they may affect a minority team member. Be honest about whether your organization reflects systematic or interpersonal racism. Determine how you can implement training and other strategies for leadership/team members to improve your organizational guidelines.
Need more help to support your minority team members? We can help.
