Opening Minds to Wellness
Article by Samia Posadas | Art by Jillian Hartshorne
In today’s world, conversations surrounding mental health are happening everywhere, from social media posts to guest speakers at school assemblies. However, despite all that buzz, a harsh reality remains as many people, especially those from marginalized communities, are unable to access the care they need. As we work to break down the stigma around mental health, we must also address the deeper systemic inequalities that prevent many from receiving the support they deserve.
For many Americans, reaching out for mental health support isn’t as simple as just making a phone call or booking an appointment. Individuals in African-American, Latinx, Asian-American, and Indigenous groups often face a unique set of challenges. According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only about 25% of Asian Americans with mental health conditions receive treatment, compared to nearly 40% of white Americans. This gap is likely driven by a mix of cultural stigma, mistrust in the healthcare system, and a lack of linguistically diverse mental health providers who truly understand patients’ lived experiences.
For example, in many Asian households, mental health issues are often perceived as personal failure and weakness, causing a significant stigma around seeking help. This strong social pressure to “save face” and avoid bringing perceived shame among the family sometimes prevents individuals from discussing their struggles or pursuing treatment. Similarly, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities face additional barriers due to systemic racism, cultural stigmas, and a history of medical mistreatment. This has fostered deep mistrust in healthcare institutions, discouraging many individuals from accessing necessary mental health services. This issue is further intensified by gender norms, as men across all racial and cultural groups are less likely to seek mental health care due to societal expectations of strength and the perception of toxic masculinity. Studies show that men are significantly less likely than women to pursue therapy or even discuss mental health, despite having similar rates of mental illness and a higher risk of suicide, particularly among young men and veterans.
Another significant barrier to mental health care is the high cost of treatment. Therapy sessions, psychiatric medications, and hospital stays can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those without insurance. Even for individuals with health coverage, high copayments and deductibles often prevent people from seeking the care they need. According to a 2023 report from the American Psychological Association, nearly 60% of adults who wanted mental health services were unable to receive them due to financial constraints. This issue is especially severe for low-income families and communities of color, who often face additional economic challenges. As a result, many individuals either delay seeking help or turn to emergency services during crises, which can lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs in the long run.
One answer lies in culturally competent care, which goes beyond simply speaking a patient’s language. It’s about understanding and respecting their cultural values, traditions, and the unique struggles they face. Research from the Commonwealth Fund shows that patients who receive culturally tailored care are more likely to stick with their treatment and report better outcomes. Culturally competent support can be life-changing. When mental health professionals take the time to learn about their patients’ backgrounds, they build trust and create a space where people can feel truly seen and wholeheartedly understood. For many, this is the first step toward healing.
On another hand, teenagers are feeling the impact of the mental health crisis more than ever, with anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness at all-time highs. The CDC reports that nearly 1 in 3 high school students have experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, and suicide has become the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24. Once again, this alarming trend is often tied to untreated mental health issues, societal pressures, and the stigma surrounding seeking help. The LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, face heightened risks of suicide, with over 40% reporting suicidal thoughts due to rejection of their identity and marginalization. For the better of future generations, it is imperative that schools provide comprehensive mental health resources and foster environments where young people feel safe discussing their struggles. Simple measures such as having accessible counselors, peer support groups, and suicide prevention education make the biggest difference. Programs like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have become vital resources, offering confidential help, anytime and anywhere, for anyone in crisis. By increasing awareness and access to these services, we can work towards reducing the stigma and saving lives.
However, addressing these disparities requires more than just good intentions. It rather demands real policy changes. We need laws that ensure mental health services are covered just as thoroughly as physical health care. Expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for community-based mental health programs, and supporting the training of culturally competent providers and essential steps in the right direction. Even so, policy alone isn’t enough. We all have a role to play in advocating for a world where mental health care is accessible to everyone. Whether it’s speaking up when we see stigma, supporting friends who are struggling, or simply educating ourselves about the unique challenges faced by different communities, we can help create a culture that values mental health as much as physical health. It’s time to open our minds to wellness and make mental health care a true priority for all.
Works Cited
American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/.
Commonwealth Fund. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/.
Pew Research Center. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/.
