July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to spotlight the mental health challenges faced by minority communities. At Vaya Health, we are committed to supporting the mental well-being of all North Carolinians, including those from minority backgrounds. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges these communities face, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Understanding the Minority Community Mental Health Challenges Through Story
Minority communities often encounter unique obstacles when it comes to mental health care. The following are some examples inspired by real people, showcasing the challenges and scenarios one might experience. Member names have been changed for privacy.
Cultural Stigma
In some Hispanic communities, there is a cultural belief that discussing mental health issues is a sign of weakness. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help, as they fear judgment from their family and community. For instance, Maria, a Latina mother from Raleigh, struggles with anxiety but delays seeking help for years due to the cultural stigma. It’s not until she finds a bilingual therapist who understands her cultural background that she feels comfortable addressing her mental health needs.
Language Barriers
Ahmed, an Arabic-speaking immigrant, finds it challenging to access mental health services because most available resources are only in English. Despite experiencing severe depression, the language barrier makes it difficult for him to communicate his needs and understand treatment options. Fortunately, he connects with a mental health provider who offers services in Arabic, which greatly improves his access to care and overall mental health.
Did you know Vaya Health offers language services? Call 1-800-962-9003 to speak to someone in your native language who can assist you with healthcare and Medicaid needs.
Economic Disparities
Economic hardships can significantly affect access to mental health care. For example, Jamal, a college student, faces financial difficulties that prevent him from affording regular therapy sessions. His part-time job barely covers his tuition and living expenses, leaving little room for mental health care costs. Access to affordable community health centers provides him with the necessary support without the financial burden.
Discrimination
Experiences of discrimination can worsen mental health issues and add to the stress that minority individuals face. Mei, an Asian American professional, experiences workplace discrimination and racially motivated incidents that intensify her anxiety and depression. These experiences make her hesitant to seek help, fearing that mental health professionals might not understand or validate her experiences. Finding a culturally competent therapist who acknowledges and addresses the impact of discrimination on her mental health is crucial in her journey to recovery.
Did you know you can search our Provider database and filter results by language? Start your search, then use the filters to narrow your results based on specialty and other factors such as language or gender.
Vaya Health offers a range of mental health services tailored to the diverse needs of North Carolinians.
- Walk-in Health Centers: Local health centers often provide culturally competent mental health care and support.
- Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
- Vaya Programs and Referrals: Vaya members and recipients can contact their care manager or call the Member and Recipient Service Line at 1-800-962-9003. This line is available 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday, including holidays.
- Medicaid members eligible for Vaya Total Care (Vaya’s Tailored Plan) can access additional benefits. Learn more by visiting our Vaya Total Care and Vaya Total Care Perks webpages.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek Professional Help: Reach out to mental health professionals who understand and respect your cultural background. If you’re experiencing a crisis, call Vaya’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the mental health challenges faced by minority communities to better understand and support those in need. Take a free online mental health screening to see if you or someone you care about could benefit from connecting with a mental health professional.
- Advocate for Change: Get involved in advocacy efforts to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma within your community.
At Vaya Health, we believe that mental health care should be accessible and inclusive for all. This July, let’s come together to raise awareness and support minority mental health in North Carolina. By working together, we can create a more understanding and compassionate community for everyone.
