Minority Mental Health Month

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Jul 11, 2018
You’ve likely heard the statistic that every one in five adults in America experience a mental illness. Mental health affects everyone, regardless of background. However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, “Minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability of mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care.”

As July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month; the goal is to improve access to mental health treatment and services and promote public awareness of mental illness, particularly among minorities.

To support this goal, the theme this year is “Cure Stigma.” According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the stigma surrounding mental illness “creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment.” There are many actions each of us can take to change public perceptions of mental illness.

Take the Test

NAMI invites everyone to test their own attitudes toward mental illness at CureStigma.org. This quiz has three questions, and will only take a moment of your time, but is a very important first step toward alleviating stigma and promoting public awareness of mental illness.

Learn More

As you learn more about mental illness, its stigma and treatment resources, you can become a better ally. For local resources, consider reaching out to NAMI’s organization in Nevada. NAMI also provides information about mental health among minority groups.

Love and Support

Help the people in your circle of influence by offering support, especially if you think someone may be having trouble. Listening is an action that goes a long way toward showing love and support. NAMI also suggests using respectful language to talk about mental health conditions and challenging any misconceptions you encounter.

During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, each of us can do something to promote awareness of mental health and change the stigma surrounding it. Also, don’t forget that mental health treatment is included in your essential health benefits.

If you’re not currently enrolled in health insurance, let us help. Certain qualifying life events (QLE) may make you eligible for a special enrollment period. QLE’s are life-changing events such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce and birth/adoption of a child to name a few. Nevada Health Link can connect contact a certified broker or navigator to see if you qualify for special enrollment. Email us at CustomerserviceNVHL@exchange.nv.gov for any additional questions you may have concerning affordable health insurance and start your enrollment process today.