As I have looked at the connection between mental health care and hatred, I have been reminded of the impact that race and racism has on the ability to seek treatment. I found an article that talks about the connection very clearly. Here it is: http://bit.ly/1esbaXf As I read this article, I was reminded of the early years I spent in social services. I worked in a program for juvenile status offenders. (Teenagers in trouble for truancy, being beyond the control of their parents, etc.) Interestingly enough, it seemed like we rarely had minority children come into the program. I remember a conversation with my boss in which we discussed that observation. She told me that the reason for that was simple: Minority families didn't trust the system. They weren't likely to bring their crisis situations to us as they viewed us as a symbol of the system. Of course, that wasn't helped by the fact that we were white. So, I am not unfamiliar with the notion that the mental health system doesn't always help minorities dealing with mental illness or behavioral issues.
What do I think about this article? I think that there is validity to the basic premise that there is racism and bias in mental health treatment systems and that the fact that black people don't take care of mental health issues is somewhat influenced by that. There is definitely a fight between "bad vs. mad" for all the mentally ill, but it is probably much more powerful when we look at black people. After all, for many in this society...being black means that you ARE bad by definition.
How do we get beyond this and encourage those needing mental health care to get it, whatever their race? By being honest about the existence of racism in the system. And by being willing to make changes. In general, people want to ignore the existence of racism. I can't tell you how many people tell me that racism no longer exists. If that wasn't so serious, it would almost be laughable. Racism is alive and well in 2013. Unfortunately. But we can make changes. First step...be willing to look at it. What do you think? Do you have that openness?
What do I think about this article? I think that there is validity to the basic premise that there is racism and bias in mental health treatment systems and that the fact that black people don't take care of mental health issues is somewhat influenced by that. There is definitely a fight between "bad vs. mad" for all the mentally ill, but it is probably much more powerful when we look at black people. After all, for many in this society...being black means that you ARE bad by definition.
How do we get beyond this and encourage those needing mental health care to get it, whatever their race? By being honest about the existence of racism in the system. And by being willing to make changes. In general, people want to ignore the existence of racism. I can't tell you how many people tell me that racism no longer exists. If that wasn't so serious, it would almost be laughable. Racism is alive and well in 2013. Unfortunately. But we can make changes. First step...be willing to look at it. What do you think? Do you have that openness?
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