Breaking the barriers

Exploring mental health challenges among the BIPOC community

Mental health challenges do not discriminate — any individual could be impacted by the effects, whether they are experiencing problems themselves or know a family member or friend who is. The same goes for accessibility. Any individual could face hardships that limit the accessibility of mental health care.

Specifically, for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community, certain institutional and cultural barriers exist that can make it challenging to access mental health care. Some of the main hurdles are financial concerns and lack of job-related benefits, systemic discrimination, cultural stigmas and lack of representation in mental health professionals.

One of the key barriers faced by the BIPOC community is economic-related. When this community seeks mental health treatment, there is a lack of access to mental health resources that can make care feel out of reach. Differences in income or employer-based benefits contribute to the belief that therapy and mental health care resources are a luxury, not a right. One way to overcome the financial burden is to find a mental health care practice that accepts a wide variety of insurances. This allows therapy and mental health resources to be more affordable to BIPOC individuals.

Breaking the barriers

Another significant challenge involves religion and faith. According to the National Library of Medicine, 87% of the BIPOC community members report a formal religious connection. This can lead to the common misconception that belief cannot coexist with therapy. While some feel that engaging in therapy means that you do not value your faith, in fact, these two beliefs can coexist and work hand-in-hand. For example, prayer can serve as a coping skill and be fully supported by therapists. It is important to remember that religion, faith and mental health care all have a role to play in successful, holistic care.

Internalized and institutional racism also can create barriers for those who may be considering professional help. It is imperative that members of the BIPOC community see and hear stories that depict people who look like them overcoming mental illnesses and leading successful, fulfilled lives. Although our country is constantly becoming more inclusive, the mental health field still lacks professionals who look, sound like or share similar backgrounds with BIPOC individuals. Alleviating this issue will only help continue to destigmatize mental health and increase accessibility.

JENAI HICKS

The final barrier may seem obvious but is a major deterrent for people seeking professional help: time. In many cases, people find that their working hours and breaks do not line up with standard hours of operation for many mental health providers. One way to navigate this is to find a provider who is willing to work with you. Some providers may be able to offer an evening or early morning appointment, and a quick session is better than no session. Another option is to seek a local provider that offers telehealth options for when time constraints or limited transportation are a challenge.

Elite DNA Behavioral Health was founded on the idea that mental health care should be accessible, so we have implemented processes to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community. We are dedicated to breaking down financial barriers, respectfully challenging misconceptions related to faith, combating institutional racism and continuing to increase diversity and representation in the mental health field.

Everyone deserves to live a life of joy and wellness, and it is of utmost importance to acknowledge your feelings when accessing professional help. There is no shame in seeking mental health services that best meet your needs, and it is entirely appropriate to request a provider that is a person of color or a female. Research to find a provider who understands your background and beliefs and is equipped to lead you on the path to a happy, healthy life. ¦

Jenai Hicks is a licensed mental health counselor for Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive mental and behavioral service provider with locations across Florida, including Naples, Estero and Fort Myers. For more information, visit EliteDNA. com.

The post Breaking the barriers first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .